The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has confirmed that its new Chief Executive, John Powell, will appear before the House of Lords European Affairs Committee on 19 May to give evidence on the prospective SPS agreement as part of the committee’s current inquiry into dynamic alignment, He will appear alongside Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive, British Ports Association, 

The session is likely to focus on the current burden of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks, which industry leaders say are significantly damaging exports, increasing costs, and holding back growth. John Powell plans to highlight the significant benefits that will flow from a well-crafted SPS agreement, which was announced in the King’s Speech this week and fulfils Labour’s manifesto commitment to deliver a veterinary agreement with the EU.

Exports hit and costs soaring

UK meat exports to the EU have fallen sharply since 2019, with beef down over 20%, sheepmeat down more than 15%, and pork exports cut by over a third.

At the same time, businesses are facing escalating compliance costs. Since 2020, the agri-food sector has spent an estimated £289 million on export certification alone, with ongoing annual costs for the meat sector exceeding £50 million. For exporters, each shipment can now carry additional costs of £2,500–£3,000 per load, driven by paperwork, inspections, and border delays.

These are described by BMPA members as “non-value-added costs” that do nothing to support productivity or growth.

A key point for the red meat sector is that its supply chains are, in practice, already aligned with EU standards. With very few exceptions, some part of every animal slaughtered in the UK is destined for the EU market. As a result, farms, livestock hauliers, abattoirs, and processors must already operate in full compliance with current and updated EU sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. In effect, much of the current certification burden is verifying compliance with standards the sector is already meeting as a matter of course.

The key issues expected to be raised by the BMPA during the session are:

Opportunity for growth through SPS agreement

The BMPA will argue that a new SPS agreement with the EU could unlock significant long-term benefits beyond immediate cost savings. By reducing friction and restoring flexibility, it would help rebuild trade flows, support smaller exporters, and re-establish closer commercial ties with EU customers.

The EU remains the UK’s closest and largest market for red meat, accounting for up to 90% of sheepmeat exports and around 80% of beef exports so the opportunities for growth here far outweigh those in markets further afield.

“Customs works – SPS is the real barrier”

Evidence to the Committee will stress that current customs processes are functioning effectively, costing as little as £20 per load. In contrast, SPS requirements, which cover health certification, veterinary checks, and inspections, are the primary source of friction and cost.

BMPA has had consistent feedback from members saying that, rather than tariffs being the issue, trade is being blocked by complex and costly processes that slow supply chains and undermine competitiveness.

Disproportionate impact on smaller businesses

Smaller exporters have been hardest hit, particularly due to the collapse of “groupage” which is the ability to share transport across multiple consignments.

Without it, many smaller firms have been priced out of EU trade altogether, reducing market access and limiting growth opportunities.

Call for clarity on transition

As part of his evidence to the Committee, John Powell will also call for clear and timely government guidance on any transition to a new SPS framework.

Uncertainty risks disrupting supply chains, particularly for products already in cold storage at the time of the change-over. It could also create workforce challenges if veterinary capacity declines ahead of implementation as vets leave the industry in anticipation of losing work after a new SPS agreement comes into force.

The BMPA will emphasise the need for a well-defined transition period, with firm timelines and practical solutions on labelling, certification, and stock already in the system.