UK food transition urged to prevent EU trade disruption

Published: 29 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The UK food industry has urged the government to introduce a transition period if it realigns post-Brexit agriculture rules with the EU. Officials warned that immediate regulatory changes could create a “cliff edge” costing UK businesses between £500 million and £810 million annually. The call for a UK food transition has quickly become central to discussions, as farmers and food producers face potential trade barriers with Europe. David Bench, chief executive of Croplife, stressed that without a phased approach, the consequences could be severe for growers and suppliers across the country.

The warning follows comments from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), highlighting that British oats used in cereals, snack bars, meatballs, and plant-based products might become unsellable in the EU. For the past five years, UK farmers have been allowed to use certain fungicides not yet approved in the EU. Realignment of these rules, they argue, must consider existing stock and seasonal crops. The industry fears that abrupt changes would threaten farm incomes and reduce competitiveness in European markets.

The UK-EU reset, aimed at removing trade barriers and cutting supermarket prices, remains a high priority. According to the parliamentary trade select committee, extra bureaucracy from post-Brexit divergence has cost the UK £8.4 billion, with goods exports down 18% over five years and food and drink down 24%. Officials now stress that any regulatory changes must avoid further damaging trade flows, underscoring the need for a carefully managed UK food transition.

Technical discussions on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement have recently started between the UK and EU, following a “reset” summit last May between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The SPS agreement is expected to simplify customs procedures, but industry groups argue a phased approach is essential. Without it, crops grown under 2026 UK rules could be unsellable in the EU if the agreement takes effect in 2027, highlighting the urgency of a smooth UK food transition.

Transport companies have also reported severe disruptions caused by Brexit paperwork. One logistics manager told the trade committee that a truck carrying frozen beef was held for 27 days in Calais due to missing certificates. Such examples underscore how abrupt regulatory changes could exacerbate existing supply chain issues, increasing costs and delays across the food sector.

Croplife commissioned the Andersons Centre to evaluate the impact of aligning with EU rules. The report concluded that the UK has maintained legal, scientific, and technical standards largely equivalent to the EU, having adopted EU legislation wholesale after Brexit. However, divergence in plant protection regulations has emerged. Britain has approved four pesticides and herbicides not yet authorized by the EU, creating potential compliance conflicts for exporters.

Industry leaders argue the government has not adequately engaged with the food sector on this transition. They fear secrecy and a lack of consultation could worsen the economic impact of a sudden rules reset. Bench warned that a “cliff-edge scenario” would heavily impact British growers, particularly at a time when farm profitability is under increasing pressure. He said, “Phasing in regulatory alignment over at least a year is essential to avoid devastating consequences,” reinforcing the call for a UK food transition.

Both Croplife and the NFU insist that any realignment must follow a gradual process similar to Brexit’s phased approach. Extending the transition period beyond a single year could provide farmers, exporters, and processors sufficient time to adapt. With food prices already under scrutiny and EU export markets vital for UK agriculture, industry leaders argue that careful planning is essential to secure both domestic supply chains and international trade relationships.

The government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns before formal SPS agreements are concluded. Stakeholders are calling for a framework that balances regulatory harmonization with practical flexibility. Failure to implement a considered transition period could risk undermining years of progress in trade relations with the EU and destabilize farm incomes across the UK.

Industry analysts note that a structured approach would allow businesses to adjust operationally while meeting both UK and EU regulatory requirements. This approach could prevent market disruptions and safeguard consumer confidence in British food products. With negotiations ongoing, the food sector remains vocal in advocating for policies that ensure stability, minimize economic shocks, and maintain long-term competitiveness.

As talks continue in London, the message from the UK food industry is clear: a well-managed UK food transition is essential. Without careful planning, the consequences could reverberate through the agricultural sector, food supply chains, and ultimately, consumers’ access to affordable, high-quality produce.

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