BMPA presses Ministers on EU trade opportunities and challenges

The forthcoming UK-EU trade agreement could deliver some much-needed relief for British meat processors. But removing border bureaucracy is only part of the answer. That was the message BMPA took directly to Government Ministers at this week’s SIAL trade exhibition in Paris.

BMPA’s John Powell joined an invited group of food industry representatives at a round table hosted by Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Stephen Morgan at the British Embassy on 20 October.

The meeting focused on the forthcoming UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and how Government and industry can work together to make the most of the opportunities it creates.

There was broad agreement around the table that the deal is welcome and needs to be implemented as quickly as possible.

For meat processors, the removal of Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and other border friction would be a major step forward, cutting costs, simplifying trade and making British products more competitive in European markets.

But John was keen to make the point that easier access to Europe won’t automatically translate into more exports.

The industry is already grappling with livestock shortages, high energy and input costs and a lack of skilled labour. Unless Government tackles these problems, many processors will struggle to take advantage of new trading opportunities, however much the border arrangements improve.

Making the export growth plan work for industry

Minister Morgan outlined Defra’s plans for an Export Growth Promotion Plan, designed to help businesses prepare for the new trading arrangements, identify market opportunities and turn them into actual sales.

BMPA welcomed the initiative but stressed that it must be developed with the companies doing the exporting.

While support for smaller businesses is important, John reminded Ministers that larger processors account for the greatest volume of trade and must be central to the plan.

He also pressed for clarity on how Government intends to work with industry once the SPS Agreement is in place, particularly when new EU legislation is proposed.

Processors need a reliable way to feed their technical and commercial expertise into Government discussions with Brussels, rather than being consulted after decisions have effectively been made.

Practical help when things go wrong

Even with a new agreement, occasional border problems are inevitable.

BMPA therefore called for Defra to establish a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week helpline so businesses can get immediate assistance when consignments encounter difficulties.

It’s a practical measure that could make a real difference to companies dealing with time-sensitive, perishable products.

Making sure processors have a seat at the table

John also challenged the lack of meat processing representation on Defra’s Farming and Food Partnership Board, which is intended to bring together voices from across the food supply chain.

Given the processing sector’s central role in connecting livestock producers with domestic and export markets, its absence is a significant omission.

Defra agreed to come back with a response to BMPA’s concerns.

Keeping up the pressure

The Paris meeting gave BMPA a valuable opportunity to put the industry’s priorities directly to Ministers, not just on the SPS Agreement itself but on what needs to happen for it to deliver real commercial benefits.

John is due to meet Minister Morgan again on 3 November for a one-to-one discussion, providing an early opportunity to follow up on the issues raised.

BMPA will continue pressing for an agreement that removes unnecessary trading costs, an export strategy shaped by the businesses it is meant to support, and a stronger voice for meat processors in Government decision-making.