"The export hurdles we face are not going away" - BMPA
The first Brexit Impact Report issued by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) paints a different picture from the one offered by the Government. Dismissing trade disruption at the borders as simply short-term ‘teething problems’ is no longer credible, as the first quarter outside the EU market presents a grim outlook for the UK meat exports. Companies are reporting systemic weaknesses in the current export system, mountains of red tape and a potential permanent loss of trade of between 20% and 50%. Nick Allen, CEO of The British Meat Processors Association explains: “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 the Government and map out those solutions”.
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