Report reveals the true cost of Brexit to the UK meat industry
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has published a new report detailing the true impact of trade disruption on the industry as well as offering a series of recommendations on how to resolve some of the issues.
According to the BMPA, the Brexit Impact Report seeks to differentiate between ‘teething problems’ and the more serious impediments to trade that are affecting British companies whose businesses rely heavily on trade with the EU.
The report highlights what it calls “systemic weaknesses” in the current export system, mountains of red tape and a potential permanent loss of trade of between 20 and 50 per cent.
Nick Allen, CEO of BMPA, explained: “British companies who are dealing with the new issues on the ground are best placed to offer constructive solutions; but these solutions need support and investment from Government to build a new system that is fit for purpose.”
The report focuses on three key areas that, if addressed, would drastically improve our ability to hold on to our trade with EU customers.
- Inspection and certification – learning from other more efficient and cost-effective systems
- Electronic documentation – moving from an antiquated paper-based system to a modern, integrated digital system
- Common Veterinary Area – negotiating a more robust agreement with the EU to follow parallel rules which would ease problems sending food to both the EU and to Northern Ireland
Nick Allen added: “The export hurdles we face are now in plain sight and are not going away. We need Government to urgently re-engage with both the industry and the EU to work out detailed and lasting solutions. The British Meat Processors Association and its members stand ready to consult with Government and map out those solutions.”
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