Five years ago, on 31 January 2020, the UK formally left the European Union, severing political ties after 47 years. However, the country remained within the EU single market and customs union for another 11 months to ease the transition in trade. Northern Ireland, of course, had its own separate arrangement.
Brexit was one of the most divisive events in recent UK history, sparking ongoing debates about its impact. As we reach the five-year mark, the consequences for the fresh produce sector and wider trade have become clearer. BBC Verify has examined five key areas where Brexit has reshaped Britain – and for our industry, the effects have been profound.
1) Trade and Supply Chains
Despite securing a free trade agreement with the EU, the UK’s departure from the single market and customs union on 1 January 2021 introduced non-tariff barriers. New customs paperwork, border checks, and regulatory hurdles have added costs and delays to fresh produce imports and exports.
Economists remain divided on the exact scale of the impact. Some studies suggest UK goods exports are 30% lower than they would have been had we stayed in the single market, while others estimate a 6% reduction. However, what is clear is that smaller businesses have struggled the most, with many unable to cope with post-Brexit bureaucracy.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) still predicts that Brexit will shrink the UK economy by around 4% in the long term, equivalent to approximately £100bn in today’s money. While new trade deals with Australia and New Zealand have been secured, their impact on the UK economy remains small compared to the losses in EU trade. Fresh produce importers and exporters continue to face logistical challenges, compounded by labour shortages and rising costs.
2) Immigration and the Labour Market
Labour shortages have been one of the most pressing Brexit-related issues for the UK fresh produce sector. The end of freedom of movement led to a sharp decline in EU workers, who traditionally filled vital roles in farming, harvesting, packing, and distribution.
To address these gaps, the UK introduced a seasonal worker visa scheme, but recruitment difficulties persist. The shift towards non-EU migration – particularly in health and care sectors – has not eased the strain on food production and logistics. Many growers continue to report struggles in sourcing sufficient labour, impacting both crop yields and supply chain efficiency.
3) Travel and Logistics Disruptions
The end of freedom of movement has also affected the movement of goods, not just people. British transport operators and lorry drivers have faced increased border checks, leading to delays at major ports such as Dover and Folkestone. The introduction of the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) in 2025 could add further complexities, as biometric data collection at borders threatens to slow down the flow of perishable goods.
Meanwhile, the introduction of the UK’s own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from April 2025 for EU citizens could create further administrative burdens for European workers who travel for seasonal employment in the food and farming sector.
4) Regulation and Food Standards
Brexit promised legal sovereignty, enabling the UK to set its own food and agricultural policies. Some changes have already been implemented – such as the ban on live animal exports for slaughter – while others, including gene editing rules for crops, diverge from EU standards.
However, concerns remain about regulatory alignment. The UK has retained thousands of EU-derived food safety and labelling laws, but changes could come in the future. Industry leaders remain watchful for any shifts that could affect trade, consumer confidence, or the competitiveness of British produce in European markets.
5) Agriculture and Financial Support
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments that supported UK farmers have been replaced by the government's own funding system. However, concerns persist over whether domestic subsidies match previous EU support levels. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has replaced EU structural grants, but its effectiveness in supporting rural and agricultural communities remains a topic of debate.
The UK has also resumed contributions to the Horizon Europe research programme, which could benefit agritech innovation. However, the fresh produce sector continues to call for greater investment in research, infrastructure, and workforce development to navigate post-Brexit challenges.
What’s Next for Fresh Produce?
The effects of Brexit on the fresh produce sector are still unfolding, and the industry continues to adapt. Labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory divergence remain key concerns. As the UK explores new trade relationships and potential policy changes under a Labour government, businesses will need to stay agile in an evolving landscape.
One thing is certain: Brexit remains a defining issue for the UK’s food and farming industries, shaping the way fresh produce reaches consumers both at home and abroad.
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