Farmers warned to prepare now for EU trade reset

Farmers and agri-food businesses are being urged to start preparing for major changes to UK-EU trade rules.

This comes as ministers push ahead with a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement aimed at cutting border checks and red tape.

The UK government is targeting a mid-2027 start date for the deal.

It is designed to make trade with the EU faster and cheaper while restoring export opportunities for British produce.

See also: UK-EU deal to ease red tape on agricultural exports

According to government figures, exports of UK food and agricultural products to the EU have fallen by 22% since 2018 – a drop of almost £4bn in real terms.

Ministers say the new agreement could reverse that trend by removing much of the paperwork and delays that have disrupted trade since Brexit.

Under current arrangements, exporters face significant costs, including export health certificates costing up to £200 for agri-food goods, phytosanitary certificates costing about £25 plus inspection fees of at least £127.60, and sampling charges that can add £440 to apples or £1,200 to a cheese or beef shipment.

Businesses are being encouraged to start preparing now, including engaging with trade bodies, reviewing supply chains, signing up to Defra alerts and responding to a newly launched six-week Call for Information designed to shape government guidance.

The agreement would align UK producers and processors of plants, food, animals and animal products with EU rules.

This would mean that even businesses which do not currently export may need to adapt their practices.

Tangible benefits

Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said the government was determined to make trade with the UK’s biggest market easier.

“We are resetting our relationship with the EU, our closest and largest trading partner, to make trade easier and cheaper, and deliver tangible benefits for British businesses.

“We are talking about real businesses, real employers: the Somerset cheesemaker with export trade halved… the Scottish farmer who can no longer sell seed potatoes to customers they’ve supplied for decades.

“By reducing delays and unnecessary paperwork, this deal will help keep shelves stocked, protect jobs and put downward pressure on food price inflation for families across the country.”

The government hopes to conclude negotiations later this year, with detailed sector guidance expected once talks are complete.

Farmers must continue to comply with existing trading rules until any new agreement comes into force, including requirements under the Windsor Framework.