Five years since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, Britain’s food exporters and importers are still grappling with new barriers, a costly divorce settlement, and considerable uncertainty.
As January marks half a decade since the Brexit transition period began, multiple studies show that British businesses—especially in the fresh produce and agricultural sectors—have been hit hard.
A recent paper from the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE found that, in 2022 alone, goods exports from the UK dropped by £27bn. Much of the impact is felt by small food producers, while additional import checks loom for fresh produce entering Britain.
Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the UK’s Fresh Produce Consortium, warns: “The industry and UK consumers are yet to see the widespread and significant financial impact on fruit and veg imports from the EU commencing July 25.
"It’s deeply frustrating, as we’ve offered effective solutions. However, the previous and current governments simply ignore our fundamental concerns and the avoidable widespread impact on imports, exports and UK horticultural production.
"I thought feeding the nation with good quality affordable food was a fundamental basic of any UK government, but clearly not," Jenney continued.
"The government's self imposed border solution is not fit for purpose. The self proclaimed 'world-leading strategy,' particularly Sevington BCP, is a fundamental failure—it’s neither effective nor affordable.
"We simply need to stop the government procrastination and urgently adopt proven industry led solutions before it’s too late to prevent empty retailer shelves.
"We have the solutions but the government appears determined to destroy our industry and the nations food and flower supply,” added Jenney.
Meanwhile, UK trade expert David Henig told The Independent: “The UK now has significant trade barriers to its neighbours. It’s something we will have to live with. We will not be allowed to forget it; there will always be issues.”
And even economists who were optimistic about Brexit acknowledge the pressure on smaller firms.
Brexit-optimist economist Julian Jessop, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “The UK’s departure from the EU has undoubtedly had some negative effects on the economy, notably through reductions in trade, shortfalls in business investment, and disruption to labour markets.” Though he maintains “the overall drag on exports and imports has been smaller than feared”, he concedes Brexit has made it harder or “impossible” for many small businesses to adjust.
The Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy points to food exporters being significantly affected, with a 16 per cent average drop in goods heading to the EU.
Marks & Spencer has rented a warehouse just to store the extra paperwork required for EU trade. Across agriculture, horticulture and fishing, key sectors are feeling the squeeze of the new bureaucracy.
Despite these challenges, the government insists it wants to move on. A spokesperson said: “It is important that we look forward, not backwards, that we do not reopen the Brexit divides, and that we make Brexit work for the British people.”
Still, Mr Henig cautions that Brexit’s repercussions continue: “I’m afraid the story of Brexit carries on. The issues aren’t going away. We can’t leave it all in the past.”
As the UK enters its sixth post-Brexit year, the fresh produce industry’s pleas underscore the urgency of implementing more workable, industry-led solutions—before rising costs and supply shortfalls further threaten the nation’s food security.
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