Join our panel of industry experts: Matthew Appleby HortWeek (chair), with Craig Francis of Cargo Logistics, Malcolm Catlin of Plant Healthy and Sally Cullimore (HTA).
EU minister Nick Thomas-Symonds spoke on 27 August about how the deal could finalise in 2027. This was not an unexpected date for those within the industry.
The deal is likely to mean more plants imports, and exports, in the future as red tape is cut. There is also a forthcoming CITES consultation that could change plant importation.
The HTA has asked Thomas-Symonds about the Government's approach to EU-UK divergence, using plant protection products as an example, where approval for active ingredients varies. He confirmed that the negotiation process would be conducted in tandem with business and stakeholders to address these issues.
The HTA said: "The SPS agreement is obviously of key importance to the sector, and the aim is to strike a balance between biosecurity and easing the non-tariff barriers currently faced by the sector, for both importers and exporters. We are particularly keen that, once negotiations are concluded, the resulting legislation passes unhindered through Parliament, as delays and amendments would be detrimental to the sector. Providing certainty is of key importance, ensuring changes are permanent and that transitional support to the ‘new normal’ is swiftly and effectively provided to businesses.
They said 2027 is the date "we’ve always expected (nine months for negotiations, up to 12 months for legislation and preparing businesses), given the known end dates for various pieces of relevant legislation). The Minister wasn’t drawn on when in 2027 the plan will be finalised.
Catlin said regarding a new completion date of early 2027 for the Government's draft deal with the EU, agreed in May to cut SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary).red tape and ease border friction for fresh produce and plants: "If the process is complete by 2027, including both EU negotiations and the realignment of our own legislation, then that's probably as quick as it was ever going to be, and it aligns with the guidance provided at the time of the initial announcement in May. It is still a long way off though, so anything that can help speed up the process would be welcome.
