The UK government has presented plans for a new UK–EU "reset deal," which Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said could add more than US$6.5 billion annually to the UK economy by making trade with Europe simpler and less costly, according to Farmers Guardian.
Zeichner described the proposals as a step toward reducing paperwork and improving competitiveness. "This deal will make trading with the EU both easier and cheaper, adding over £5bn to the economy and spurring growth that the whole country will benefit from," he said.
Defra has indicated that the framework will allow the UK to uphold high food standards while cutting bureaucracy for exporters. Officials said the approach could help food and farming businesses protect profit margins. For the fresh produce sector, however, the outcome will depend on whether the measures reduce the trade frictions that have been in place since Brexit. Exporters of fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers have faced increased paperwork, certification requirements, and border delays, all of which have raised costs and risks. Perishable goods have been especially affected by longer checks and uncertainty at ports.
The government stated that the reset deal will lead to smoother trade flows and more predictable access to European markets. Industry groups remain cautious, with the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) emphasizing that without practical border reforms, such as changes to sanitary and phytosanitary checks and the Border Target Operating Model, promises alone will not secure perishable goods or reduce costs. The FPC has also highlighted the need for measures that protect the cut flower trade and ensure goods move reliably.
For now, the sector is waiting to see whether the proposed reset deal will bring practical improvements and address the long-standing challenges faced by growers, importers, and exporters of fresh produce.
Source: FreshTalkDaily
