Defra has issued an advisory note for the UK’s organic bodies to distribute among companies within the industry, pertaining to the country’s potential departure from the EU without a deal.
With regard to organic exports, the note says that in order for organic food and feed to be exported to EU countries after 31 October, UK organic certifiers will need to be recognized by the EU.
“We are pushing for a fast-tracked process so that farmers and exporters can continue to access the EU market, and are also continuing efforts to open up global markets for exporters,” it says, adding that the EU currently has equivalency arrangements with several counties outside the EU, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. “We have negotiated and secured agreements with these countries so that UK exporters can continue to trade with markets outside of the EU, whether we leave the EU with a deal or without.”
We have negotiated and secured agreements with these countries so that UK exporters can continue to trade with markets outside of the EU, whether we leave the EU with a deal or without
Defra also says that measures have been taken to enable UK businesses to continue to import organic food and feed from the EU and EEA States, although “importers of organic products from third countries will need to use the new manual UK organics import system if we leave the EU without a deal.” It says this new system would allow UK authorities to ensure ‘our standards are met and products are organic and traceable’.
The note ends: “We understand that Brexit is impacting on organic businesses in the UK and we will continue to work with the control bodies to secure recognition from the EU as soon as possible.”
Links have also been provided for businesses, who Defra urges to read the Government’s guidance on international agreements and how to prepare for a possible no deal scenario.
