BMPA is calling for a measured, collaborative approach to proposed EU livestock transport regulations, ensuring practical industry concerns are addressed without jeopardising the wider benefits of a UK-EU SPS agreement.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has highlighted concerns about the potential implications of proposed EU animal welfare transport regulations for British livestock producers and hauliers, particularly as the UK and EU negotiate a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
The concerns centre on journey time restrictions, how time spent at livestock markets is treated, temperature requirements during transit and minimum trailer headroom. These are important practical considerations, with potentially significant implications for existing livestock transport operations.
BMPA recognises these concerns. However, we believe the immediate priority should be to establish precisely what the EU is proposing, how likely those proposals are to become law and what arrangements would be made to allow businesses to adapt.
The forthcoming UK-EU meeting in Brussels on 20 November provides an opportunity for Government to seek clarification on these questions.
In particular, BMPA believes that any new requirements must be accompanied by a sufficiently long and realistic transition period. Livestock hauliers need time to assess the implications, adapt their operations and, where necessary, invest in equipment. A sudden regulatory ‘cliff edge’ would serve neither the industry nor animal welfare.
Importantly, these concerns are not unique to the UK.
BMPA is a member of UECBV, the European Livestock and Meat Trades Union, and at a recent meeting we heard similar concerns expressed by industry representatives from EU member states.
Many livestock transport operators across Europe could also face difficulties meeting the proposed requirements. This means there is a common interest on both sides of the Channel in ensuring that any eventual legislation is practical, proportionate and introduced over a realistic timescale.
BMPA intends to use its influence within UECBV to build support for a coordinated industry approach, while continuing to work directly with the UK Government to ensure British meat processors’ and livestock hauliers’ concerns are understood.
A new UK-EU SPS agreement offers potentially significant benefits for British meat businesses, including reduced bureaucracy, fewer border delays and smoother trade with one of our most important export markets.
We believe it would be counterproductive to allow uncertainty over proposals that have yet to be finalised to overshadow these wider negotiations.
That does not mean overlooking legitimate concerns. It means establishing the facts, understanding the likely impact and working constructively with Government and our European counterparts to secure workable solutions.
BMPA’s approach is to pursue both objectives. We must protect the practical needs of the livestock supply chain while ensuring the UK does not miss the wider opportunities that closer trading arrangements with the EU could deliver.
The priority now is clarity, cooperation and a realistic timetable for change, not allowing uncertainty to become an obstacle to progress.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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