The UK ’s fresh produce industry is raising the alarm follow a tense parliamentary school term on 6 May , during which Baroness Hayman appeared to parry essential questions about the looming foundation of Medium Risk A & B flora health checks .
With just weeks stay before the plan 1 July rollout , the Fresh Produce Consortium ( FPC ) has warned that haunting equivocalness and unanswered questions could head to serious disruption across the UK ’s fruit , veg , and cut flower supplying chains .
Appearing before the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( EFRA ) Committee , Baroness Hayman failed to ply the clear , actionable details manufacture drawing card have been demanding for month . Her vague responses left stakeholders frustrated and more and more touch on .
" None of these interrogative sentence are new , " say Nigel Jenney , Chief Executive of the FPC . " We ’ve been involve for clarity for months . fourth dimension is running out , and the diligence can not yield further equivocalness . "
During the sense of hearing , the EFRA Committee press the Government on a number of urgent concerns raised by the FPC , such as :
Confirmation Of The 1 July Deadline – The sphere still lacks official verification on whether the easement for Medium hazard A & B unused produce will terminate as scheduled . This uncertainty is severely stymy operational preparation .
zeal Of Border Control Posts ( BCPs ) – Key BCPs , such as Sevington , remain under examination amid concern around infrastructure and staffing capability . The Government offered no unbendable assurances .
Extended Inspection Hours – The industry desperately involve confirmation of round - the - clock inspection handiness to maintain time - critical supply chains , yet no allegiance was made .
Product Classification – The Government has still not published a classic leaning of produce pass under Medium Risk A & B categories , despite repeated Call from industry leader .
EU And UK Systems Readiness – There is deep business organisation that plant life health regime on both side of the Channel are unprepared for the expected volume of software documentation and inspections , especially for complex groupage consignments .
carrying into action Issues At BCPs – go on inefficiency at Sevington were raise , with no improvement programme offered in response .
Lack Of Transparency On Common User Charges – importer are unable to budget effectively , as charges for 2025/26 remain unconfirmed .
No dedication To Direct Engagement – Defra has yet to agree to a face - to - face meeting with the FPC and other industriousness bodies to resolve these issue collaboratively .
The FPC is call for urgent , high - stratum appointment with Defra and related to agencies to deliver the clarity and provision required to keep off topsy-turvydom at the border .
" The absence of a exonerated , transparent roadmap is fuel anxiety and undermining confidence in the Government ’s ability to deliver its own Border Target Operating Model , " summate Jenney .
" Without straightaway natural action , the UK faces delay , shortage , and serious damage to its report as a reliable refreshing green goods market place . "
For more information : Fresh Produce ConsortiumEmail:[email protected]freshproduce.org.uk
