Life after the deal

IT has been almost two weeks since the UK began its new relationship with the EU and two weeks since the trade deal was signed into law.

- James Fisher

The reaction to the deal from the agricultural sector has been broadly positive, with organisations praising the absence of tariffs and quotas. However, hurdles lie ahead, such as definitions on rules of origin, as well as increased physical checks and additional paperwork required for imports and exports, which could increase costs, the brunt of which may fall onto British producers and consumers.

In a statement after the deal was agreed, NFU president Minette Batters said: ‘The tariff-free element will be a particular relief for farmers who rely heavily on the EU export market, such as our sheep farmers, as well as farmers across British agriculture that produce the safe, traceable and affordable food that underpins more than £14 billion worth of export sales each year to the EU.’ Mrs Batters warned, however, that it was still early days and ‘we do anticipate that there will still be disruption to trade at the border’.