UK 'moves closer' to a deal with EU over agrifood trade

THE Government has issued a call for information as it “moves closer” to a deal with the EU aimed at smoothing post-Brexit friction in agrifood trade.

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Officials are negotiating a deal to make agrifood trade with the EU easier, cheaper and quicker for British businesses to export and import.

It is aiming to cut red tape, increase choice for consumers and put downward pressure on food price inflation with a proposed start date in mid-2027.

Exports of food and agricultural products to the EU since 2018 have fallen by 22% - almost £4 billion in real terms.

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement aims to facilitate the smooth flow of agrifood goods, including plants, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK internal market while maintaining Northern Ireland’s unique access to the EU single market.