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The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has issued a stark warning about the long-term impact of Brexit on British agricultural exports to the European Union, revealing a staggering 37.4% decrease since the UK’s departure in 2020. This decline, affecting a wide range of products from beef to dairy, underscores the significant trade barriers that continue to hinder market access for British farmers.
A Significant Drop in Exports
Analysis of data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) shows that the sales of British farm products to the EU have plummeted almost 40% in the five years following Brexit. The poultry sector has faced the most severe challenges, with exports down by 37.7%. Beef exports have decreased by 23.6%, while lamb and dairy exports have dropped by 14% and 15.6%, respectively.
Tom Bradshaw, President of the NFU, emphasised that while not all of this decline can be attributed solely to Brexit, the figures clearly reflect the damage inflicted by the UK’s exit from the EU. He stated, “Simply reducing friction doesn’t mean we are going to get the EU market back again. There aren’t empty spaces on the shelves with a label saying ‘waiting for British products’.” His comments suggest that restoring demand for British goods in Europe will require a sustained effort and strategic focus.
Efforts to Rebuild Trade Relations
In response to these challenges, UK and EU officials are planning to establish bi-weekly political discussions aimed at smoothing negotiations regarding agricultural trade and other aspects of the evolving UK-EU relationship. Cabinet Office and EU relations minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, held a meeting with European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, where both parties acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue to prevent misunderstandings and facilitate progress ahead of the upcoming leaders’ summit scheduled for May or June.
A source within the government indicated that while cooperation between Thomas-Symonds and Šefčovič has been positive, there is a strong desire to increase political engagement to address outstanding issues. The source remarked, “We want to step the political engagement up even further to iron out issues and drive forward negotiations. Both sides are keen to get positive results and keep building.”
Addressing Agricultural Innovations
In the interim, the NFU is advocating for a framework that provides British farmers with adequate time to adapt to new regulations that will govern the Great Britain market. They are also calling for specific exemptions to protect advancements made in areas such as gene editing, where the UK has outpaced the EU. Bradshaw noted, “The EU is behind us, but moving in the same direction on plants. My argument to the EU is if you genuinely want to adopt this in the EU, don’t put the handbrake on the UK.”
He cited examples where the UK has been able to move faster on critical agricultural innovations, including vaccines for bovine tuberculosis and avian influenza, as well as the approval of certain plant protection products. Bradshaw believes that the deal should acknowledge these advancements and include transition arrangements that would allow crops grown under current regulations to remain marketable.
Why it Matters
The ongoing decline in British agricultural exports to the EU is not merely a statistic; it represents a significant challenge for the UK farming sector as it navigates a post-Brexit landscape marked by uncertainty and evolving regulatory frameworks. The NFU’s call for strategic negotiations and recognition of British advancements in agricultural practices is crucial for revitalising demand in EU markets. As the UK and EU strive to mend and enhance their trading relationship, the implications of these discussions will undoubtedly shape the future viability of British agriculture within Europe.
