Failure to reach a deal on future EU-UK relations would result in a devastating double whammy for farmers, agri-food businesses and traders already struggling amid COVID-19, food chain groups have warned.
Copa-Cogeca, CELCAA and FoodDrinkEurope in a joint statement have urged negotiators to do everything in their power to settle a future trade agreement which supports business and jobs.
A €5bn Brexit adjustment reserve has been requested for the agri-food sector, allowing “trade businesses to flourish where there is predictability and trust”.
The statement comes ahead of the latest round of talks which take place today Monday.
Impossible preparations
The food chain groups seek a deal which “maintains a level playing field between the EU and UK, as well as protecting the integrity of the single market. Food business operators and member states have been preparing to absorb the shock of the UK departing from the EU for two years.
“Where businesses needs predictability, all we have is uncertainty, with no clarity as to how exports will be treated after 1 January 2021. With less than four months to go, there are still many unknowns that make preparation impossible.”
The farm representatives have called for the UK’s regulatory regime on plant and animal health, and any future requirements affecting EU exports to be shared urgently.
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