The UK's biosecurity measures for plant imports are facing significant challenges, particularly concerning cargo inspections. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has launched an inquiry into the nation's biosecurity protocols for animal and plant imports, aiming to assess the adequacy of current controls and their enforcement.
In a recent session, a DEFRA minister acknowledged ongoing issues within the new plant inspection biosecurity system, stating, "We recognise that there are ongoing issues with the implementation of our plant inspection protocols, and we are committed to addressing them to safeguard our agricultural and natural environments."
These challenges have prompted UK traders, especially in the plant and food sectors, to establish their own biosecure control points for inspecting EU imports. This initiative seeks to mitigate costs and trade delays associated with government-run facilities. For instance, Provender, a wholesale plant nursery in Kent, has set up a biosecure barn to conduct checks on products arriving from Europe. Stuart Tickner, head of the nursery and biosecurity at Provender, commented, "The way it's going is we're losing all control. By becoming a control point, we bring some of that aspect of control back to us."
The EFRA Committee's inquiry will examine the performance of DEFRA and its agencies, such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in delivering the Border Target Operating Model and engaging with stakeholders. This initiative underscores the government's recognition of the critical importance of robust biosecurity measures in protecting the UK's agriculture, horticulture, and natural ecosystems from emerging threats.
The Chair of the EFRA Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, emphasised the significance of this inquiry, stating, "The biosecurity measures we have in this country are of the utmost importance. Any weak points expose the UK to serious risks, such as African swine fever, which would have catastrophic consequences for the agriculture sector."
The Committee is inviting written evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, including those in the veterinary, agricultural, forestry, and horticultural sectors, as well as workers and businesses in the food and drink supply chain, and enforcement bodies for welfare, standards, and hygiene. This collaborative approach aims to gather comprehensive insights to inform future biosecurity policies and practices.
As the UK navigates post-Brexit trade dynamics, the effectiveness of cargo inspections remains a focal point in safeguarding the nation's biosecurity.
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