UK fresh produce, horticultural industries urge reduction of EU import barriers

LONDON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two major British trade associations in the fresh produce and horticulture sectors have called on the United Kingdom (UK) government to reduce border checks, citing rising logistics costs and complex paperwork as serious barriers to growth and investment.

In a recent letter to Baroness Hayman of Ullock, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, industry leaders highlighted that cumbersome paperwork, higher logistics costs, waste, and delays have eroded confidence in border processes.

They warned that these challenges could undermine the UK's food security, stall progress on environmental targets, and reduce choices for consumers.

The letter, jointly sent by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), pointed to new checks implemented in April for EU imports of plants and flowers, which now require inspection at designated border control posts across Britain.

Previously, inspections were allowed at importers' locations, enabling nurseries and growers to store plants in controlled environments onsite. The HTA represents garden retailers and growers, while the FPC represents 700 fresh produce suppliers and distributors.

"It's been six months since the launch (of the new checks), and nothing has changed. Our industry's efficient solutions are being starved of 'official inspection resources,' so we're forced to use the Sevington government border control post. This imposes mandatory, unjustifiable costs on every consignment, whether inspected or not," said Nigel Jenney, CEO of the FPC.

Jenney added, "Data suggests that a commercially managed control point, providing an improved service, costs 90 percent less than Sevington. Ultimately, industry and consumers are bearing millions in avoidable costs imposed by our own government."

The letter called for a cross-government summit to develop practical solutions in collaboration with businesses. Other priorities include establishing a plant health agreement with the EU based on mutual recognition, easing Control Point restrictions, expediting 'trusted trader' status, and enhancing biosecurity by investing in onsite labs at key border locations.

The European Commission noted that the UK remains the top destination for EU exports, with substantial volumes of beer, cider, pork products, and fruit and nut preparations being exported to Britain. ■