BOTH the NFU and the British Poultry Council (BPC) have signalled their approval in principle of the government’s new trade deal with the EU, but both also express caution.

“Ambition is a strong start. Now we need momentum,” said Richard Griffiths, the BPC’s chief executive. “Swift negotiations must deliver meaningful outcomes.”

See also: Broiler numbers up again this year in revised Defra figures

Meanwhile, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the government’s ambition to make it easier for the sector to trade with the EU was welcome but cautioned that “the detail is king”.

The agreement facilitates trade by reducing or eliminating the need for documentary, identity and physical checks, the necessary paperwork (eg, export health certificates, phytosanitary certificates) and the associated costs, explained the NFU.

According to NFU, the ‘early positives’ of the deal included the outline of an SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement, which will reduce barriers for UK farmers exporting to the EU.

Improved trade

The SPS rules cover food safety and animal and plant health standards to ensure that food is safe for consumers and to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.

“The NFU has long been lobbying for an enhanced SPS agreement with the EU covering the fullest range of agri-food products, offering improved terms of trade, and eliminating/reducing unnecessary checks and paperwork,” said NFU President Tom Bradshaw.

“We have always sought a strong trading relationship with the EU which reduces friction at a time of global instability.

Dynamic alignment

But, since 2020, farming and growing businesses have been faced with significant costs, burdensome paperwork and additional checks in order to trade with partners on the continent.

One of the main points of concern in the agreement for the NFU is the adoption of ‘dynamic alignment’. 

This essentially means there will be a single rule book covering sanitary, phytosanitary, food safety, general consumer protection rules applicable to the production, distribution and consumption of agri-food products, the regulation of live animals, as well as marketing standards applicable to certain sectors or products.

The NFU is now stressing the need to secure vital exclusions from dynamic alignment.

“While the UK and EU both adhere to similar, high food production standards, both sides have agreed there should be limited exceptions to dynamic alignment, but it is yet to be confirmed what this will cover.” 

British Poultry Council

At the British Poultry Council, chief executive Richard Griffiths said that the deal was a vital step toward restoring fair, functional trade and building confidence in UK food supply chains.

“This is a much-needed move that will give our producers and consumers the confidence they deserve, allowing fresh, perishable products to move seamlessly across borders, securing trade and strengthening our food security,” said BPC.

However, this had to include the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, he said. 

Barriers to trade

“Removing barriers here is essential to avoid the delays and added costs that impact poultry meat businesses.”

Mr Griffiths added: “We have long said an SPS agreement is the most meaningful way to reduce barriers and to unlock opportunity for British poultry meat. 

“Poultry meat exports to the EU have fallen by 30% since 2020, HMRC data shows – a direct result of Brexit. 

Exporter cost

“This has placed businesses at a large commercial disadvantage, facing unreciprocated restrictions and costs when trading with the EU.”

The BPC claims that certification alone has cost exporters of products of animal origin a total of £250 million since 2020.

“Levelling the playing field is the right move for businesses, for consumers, and for the economy,” said Mr Griffiths.

“We look forward to working with Government to make it happen.”