The UK's ambition to develop the "world’s most effective border by 2025" has been sharply criticised as industry experts exposed severe inefficiencies, high costs, and inadequate communication from the government during a session of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee yesterday (25 March).
Nigel Jenney, the Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and a prominent industry voice, described the reality starkly: “Our world-leading border is currently the most expensive and least efficient globally. This is a self-imposed crisis creating huge distress and significant additional costs that ultimately consumers must shoulder.”
Sally Cullimore Technical Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) continued: “The current blueprint simply doesn't work for our industry. We are aghast at how things have been managed and deeply concerned about the lack of data provided to experts at the border."
Jenney added that“exporting fresh produce to Europe has become nearly impossible.”
SMEs Bearing the Brunt
The repercussions of increased phytosanitary (SPS) controls have particularly impacted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 80% of businesses importing.
Businesses face average additional costs of £14,000 per 100 consignments due to the Common Usage Charge (CUC) fees along —leading to an annual bill of around £200 million for the industry.
Nicola Mallen, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Logistics UK, highlighted the critical role of the 'groupage' model, noting: “It's increasingly becoming unviable. SMEs cannot absorb these spiralling costs, pushing prices higher for consumers.”
Mallen underscored the issue of costly border delays, adding: "Every hour of waiting costs businesses an extra £50-60. These cumulative expenses are driving European logistics companies away."
Communication Breakdown
A recurring theme during the committee session was Defra’s inadequate communication. Jenney criticised the persistent lack of response from the department, saying: “Questions we've been raising for years remain unanswered. Our proactive planning and suggestions have been knowingly ignored.”
Mallen added, "Drivers and logistics firms are left completely in the dark, significantly hampering sector growth."
Katrina Walsh, Strategy Director, International Meat Trade Association, also cited “preparation fatigue,” describing the repeated postponement of deadlines and the lack of expert governmental advice.
Implications for Industry and Consumers
Jenney expressed particular frustration with the centralised control at Sevington Border Control Post (BCP), noting it monopolises inspections, starving regional facilities of business.
“We import 65% of our fresh produce and 80% of flowers. Getting this right is imperative, but we’re investing vast sums without clear benefit,” he explained.
We need real solutions, not just rhetoric!
Jenney also highlighted the urgent need for around-the-clock inspection resources, which despite substantial investment from industry members, remain unauthorised by Defra, compounding inefficiencies.
Industry representatives argued strongly for allowing responsible businesses to undertake their inspections. “We have offered regional control point inspection facilities for a least cost solution. Our track record demonstrates we can self-manage effectively," Jenney asserted.
Biosecurity and Sector Viability at Risk
The lack of clear governmental direction poses a severe risk to biosecurity and industry viability.
Cullimore stated bluntly: “The current blueprint simply doesn't work for our industry. Biosecurity commitment within our sector is exceptional, yet exporting fresh produce to Europe has become nearly impossible.”
A Self-Made Crisis
Jenney’s message was clear: “Enough is enough. We have a self-made crisis on our hands. We need real solutions, not just rhetoric.”
Amid these stark warnings, the future of the UK’s fresh produce industry hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive government action.
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