‘Resourcing crisis’ could hit exports after 1 Jan, industry warns
Farming groups have called for ‘urgent action’ from government as exporters of Products of Animal Origin face a ‘resourcing crisis’ after 1 January 2021.
If outstanding issues are not resolved, 2021 export volumes could be reduced by up to half of current levels, a letter sent to Defra Secretary George Eustice warns.
Industry organisations that signed the letter include the NFU, the British Meat Processors Association and the National Pig Association (NPA), among others.
They point out that in 2019, UK meat exports were worth £2.6bn, with dairy exports valued at £2.5bn and fish at £2.3bn, trade that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The groups warn that UK businesses exporting food to the EU are facing ‘an exponential increase in red tape to comply with EU third country rules’.
“We understand that ultimate responsibility is on businesses to prepare to ensure they are legally compliant if they wish to continue to trade after January 1, 2021,” the letter says.
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