Post-Brexit Seed Import Delays Threaten UK Crop Production
UK vegetable growers are facing crop production issues due to post-Brexit seed import delays. Trade bodies report delays of up to six weeks, disrupting schedules and reducing profitability. Growers are calling for government action to minimize these delays.
Vegetable growers in the UK are facing potential crop production issues due to delays in seed imports following post-Brexit border changes.
Trade bodies representing UK tomato and pepper growers, such as the British Tomato Growers' Association (BTGA) and the Cucumber and Pepper Growers' Association (CPGA), report that new EU import rules are delaying deliveries by up to six weeks.
These delays disrupt growing schedules and threaten profitability.
The delays are linked to new regulations effective from April 30 requiring import checks at border control posts.
Testing for high-risk seeds like tomatoes, peppers, and oilseed rape is now mandatory in the UK, adding up to 15 days to delivery times.
Dr. Phil Morley, BTGA technical officer, highlighted the knock-on effects, including threatened food security due to delayed British production.
The National Farmers' Union and the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) echoed these concerns, citing threats to business operations and crucial UK trials of new crop varieties.
Growers are advocating for a government deal with the EU to ensure mutual recognition of testing standards to minimize delays.
Trade bodies representing UK tomato and pepper growers, such as the British Tomato Growers' Association (BTGA) and the Cucumber and Pepper Growers' Association (CPGA), report that new EU import rules are delaying deliveries by up to six weeks.
These delays disrupt growing schedules and threaten profitability.
The delays are linked to new regulations effective from April 30 requiring import checks at border control posts.
Testing for high-risk seeds like tomatoes, peppers, and oilseed rape is now mandatory in the UK, adding up to 15 days to delivery times.
Dr. Phil Morley, BTGA technical officer, highlighted the knock-on effects, including threatened food security due to delayed British production.
The National Farmers' Union and the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) echoed these concerns, citing threats to business operations and crucial UK trials of new crop varieties.
Growers are advocating for a government deal with the EU to ensure mutual recognition of testing standards to minimize delays.
