Carmichael presses DEFRA ministers on business engagement for EU trade deal

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today pressed the DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds to engage more closely with fresh food businesses in the UK about the opportunities and challenges from a potential trade agreement with the EU. Speaking during DEFRA questions this morning in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael highlighted concerns about the potential for a mishandled agreement to increase the cost of fresh produce from outside the EU.

Mr Carmichael is the Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Obviously, there are real opportunities to be had from the completion of an SPS agreement, but those who import fresh produce, in particular citrus fruit, are concerned that imports from countries outside the European Union will become more difficult and more expensive as a consequence.

“May I encourage the Secretary of State to engage more vigorously and in greater detail with the Fresh Produce Consortium, which brought these concerns to my desk recently?”

Responding for the government, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds MP said:

“The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs is more than happy to meet the consortium. As the right hon. Gentleman said, there is a big prize here, because we do more trade with our nearest trading market and, as he knows, there have been significant delays at the border, and administrative costs. That means that the export of fresh produce is very difficult; in some sectors, such as shellfish, it becomes almost impossible.

“We have to keep our eyes on the prize. I understand the point that he makes about produce from non-EU countries. We are engaging on that, and as I say, the Minister is happy to meet the group that he mentioned.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“An SPS deal with the EU could bring enormous benefits to our food producers, suppliers and consumers, but only if it is approached in the right way, and with businesses properly brought on board.

“Recent evidence given to the Select Committee by senior civil servants suggests that DEFRA is not held in the highest of esteem by many of its departmental colleagues. That bodes poorly for its ability to make its voice heard in these negotiations. It is vital that DEFRA steps up, so that farmers, food producers and all others who supply the nation’s table get a fair hearing from the rest of government as it develops this agreement.”