Five years post-Brexit, the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union continues to present challenges for the nation's food exporters and importers. Studies, including one from the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE, highlight a downturn in goods exports, amounting to a £27bn reduction in 2022, with the fresh produce sector among the hardest hit. The looming additional import checks for fresh produce exacerbate the situation, raising concerns about the future affordability and availability of fruit and vegetables in the UK.
Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, criticizes the UK government's handling of the situation, emphasizing the lack of attention to the industry's proposed solutions and the potential for significant disruptions to the UK's food supply. The government's border strategies, particularly the Sevington BCP, are deemed ineffective and costly, with Jenney urging immediate action to prevent further impacts on the industry and consumers.
Trade barriers erected post-Brexit have been acknowledged by experts and economists alike, with David Henig and Julian Jessop noting the tangible negative effects on the economy, trade, and small businesses. The Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy reports a 16% drop in goods exported to the EU, highlighting the bureaucratic and operational hurdles now faced by sectors including agriculture, horticulture, and fishing.
Despite governmental assurances of moving forward, the fresh produce industry's challenges underscore the need for revisiting and implementing industry-led solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of Brexit on the UK's food security and supply chains.
Source: FPC