East farmers encouraged to be "upbeat" with Brexit deal
The NFU says it's now time for exporters to seize opportunities presented by the new relationship with the EU
Last updated 31st Dec 2020
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) described the post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union as a "huge relief" when it was announced by the Prime Minister on Christmas Eve.
At around 12.30am today, 31st December, the deal was given royal assent after being approved by the House of Lords and House of Commons yesterday.
The European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 was made law less than 24 hours before the end of the transition period at 11pm.
While it is seen by the NFU as a relief, the union has warned farmers it "won't be business as usual" from New Year's Day.
Gary Ford, NFU's regional director for East Anglia, told us: "It is critical that exporters fully understand the rules and what is required, in particularly when it comes to the paper work, having the correct paper work in place so goods can move freely."
The post-Brexit trade deal allows most products to be exported to the EU without additional tariffs which was welcomed by the union, but there will be other costs farmers need to prepare for.
Gary continued: "There will be friction when it comes to exporting goods. There will be requirements for certificates, for paper work, there will be an administrative element that will cost farming businesses that are exporting.
"There are certain agri-food products that currently cannot be exported to the EU including seed potatoes and fresh sausages. So there will be impacts of the deal, whilst it is hugely welcome, it won't be business as usual."
Gary recognised the deal had been criticised by some for being "thin" or "skinny" but explained it was better than nothing, emphasising a no deal outcome would have been "catastrophic".
The relationship between East Anglia and the European Union is critical for the region's trade as, according to the NFU, approximately 70% of poultry exports from the East go to the EU worth nearly £200 million each year.
Barley production is also a key factor in our region's business with the EU, which receives around 88% of our produce at a worth of £230 million per annum.
It's expected there will be disruption to exports, raising concerns for the shelf-life of perishable goods our region's farms produce, which is why Mr Ford said it is critical for exporters to ensure they have the correct paperwork to avoid unnecessary delays.
While it won't be business as usual for farmers across the country, Gary thinks they should remain "upbeat" with the deal.
He said: "We've had uncertainty every since the referendum in June 2016, there's been speculation, there's been endless discussion around a deal, we've now got a deal. It may be described as a thin or skinny deal, but we've got a deal.
"It's now a matter of seizing the opporunities that are presented with that deal. The alternative, a no deal, would have been catastrophic.
"We need to embrace that and make the most of the opportunities ahead."