The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) welcomes today’s announcement from the UK Government confirming that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will apply to relevant cattle and beef products produced and traded in Northern Ireland.

The announcement provides much-needed certainty for processors, livestock producers and exporters operating across both UK and EU markets, following months of uncertainty over how the regulation would apply under Northern Ireland’s unique trading arrangements.

Lucas Daglish, Sustainability Manager at BMPA, said:

“Today’s announcement provides important clarity for businesses operating across integrated UK and EU livestock and meat supply chains. The Government’s intention to ensure that information required under UK deforestation regulations broadly mirrors EUDR due diligence requirements where possible is particularly welcome, as it should help minimise duplication and reduce administrative burdens for businesses trading in both markets.

“However, significant questions remain about how the regulation will operate in practice, particularly regarding movements of cattle and beef between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Detailed guidance will be essential to allow processors, producers and exporters sufficient time to adapt their systems, contracts and supply chains ahead of implementation.”

BMPA supports measures that promote sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains. However, we would stress that implementation must recognise the strength of existing UK cattle traceability systems, avoid creating unnecessary barriers to trade within the United Kingdom and ensure that British livestock producers and meat processors remain internationally competitive.

While today’s announcement provides a clearer direction of travel, it is still too early to fully assess the operational, commercial and trade implications for the sector until further implementation details are published.