British Farmers & Growers Need Time To Adjust, As SPS Agreement Published

As the government sets out which food, feed and farm practices it expects will be aligned with the EU as part of the future SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement, the NFU is calling for sufficient transition measures so farmers, growers and markets can effectively prepare for any changes that result from the Agreement.

The document outlines a list of regulations that it expects to be in scope with the EU. However, negotiations continue and the NFU is engaging with government and the European Commission, advocating for a deal that supports a thriving, productive and profitable farming sector in Britain.

Key to achieving this will be ensuring British farmers and growers have enough time to adapt to new rules where there has been divergence since we left the EU.

The NFU is asking for:

• A transitional arrangement for rules on organic practices, plant protection and biocidal products so British farmers don’t face a cliff edge scenario.

  
  

• UK industry progress in combatting anti-microbial resistance and precision breeding technology to be safeguarded, supporting the UK’s drive towards sustainable, resilient and innovative food production.

  
  

• The government to preserve GB’s ability to continue to develop and potentially deploy a cattle vaccine for bovine TB.

  
  

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:

“The main thing we’re hearing from our members is the need for a sufficient transition period. Farming is a long-term business – many farmers are making production decisions now that will impact food sold beyond mid-2027."

“The government has said it is considering transitional arrangements for some sectors. If this Agreement is to work for the British farming sector, it cannot be bound by an impractical deadline which will only increase the cost of producing food, both for the domestic and EU market. We need government to take a pragmatic approach and give farmers the time needed to adjust.”

The NFU will be engaging thoroughly with its membership throughout the six-week Call for Information, both to help businesses prepare for the changes and identify any further issues that could come from it.

Mr Bradshaw said:

“The SPS Agreement covers hundreds of pieces of regulation, and it’s important Defra takes time to explain to farmers and growers how alignment with the EU rules could affect their businesses."

“We want to hear about any concerns members have over the implementation of the SPS Agreement so we can provide a clear picture to government of what is needed to ensure farmers and growers can benefit from this deal.”

More information:

• The government intends for the agreement to take effect in mid-2027, although it does state it is considering transitional arrangements for some sectors.

• The new rules will apply to the GB market too, not just for products traded with the EU.

• This is not a final list, and further regulations may be added as negotiations continue.