On Monday this week, Taste of the West had discussions with a government official from the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) lead on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). This was to lobby on behalf of their members who are trying to access European markets.
There is recognition from the government that exports to the EU are falling, and that some 16,000 SMEs have stopped exporting to the EU because:
- Small food businesses are drowning in bureaucratic hurdles.
- Export rejections and delays are increasing due to diverging UK/EU standards.
- The seafood sector in our region is particularly struggling.
- The extra costs are eroding margins and making exports unviable.
Officials expect a mandate from the EU in October and will then bring this before parliament before the end of the year. With the backing of parliament, the details and technicalities will be agreed during 2026, and the agreement is still forecast to be implemented “some time” in 2027.
Government figures show the UK exported £14 billion worth of food and drink to the EU in 2024, a fall in real terms (accounting for inflation) of over 34% since Brexit. Non-EU food and drink exports in the same period were £10.4 billion.
The figures are clear. The EU is our biggest trading partner, and we need timely systemic change to ensure free and frictionless trade with the EU for our brilliant producers in the South West.
With the ministerial reshuffle, the new DEFRA Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds, has confirmed she is prioritising the SPS agreement.
Taste of the West will continue pushing for:
- An interim deal to relax regulations and provide immediate stability.
- Realistic timelines that will enable businesses to plan to resume exports to the EU.
- Support to help the Agri-food sector market and restart exports to the EU.
Taste of the West will lobby the government on behalf of its members to ensure they are represented nationally and internationally.
Have a look at their website for more information on Taste of the West and to become a member. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date.
