The potential of a no-deal Brexit has sent a lot of the UK's food industries into, ˜plan for the worst' mode.
There are several shortages of important personnel across the country and the tight deal measure may lead to inconveniences in getting meat into the country (I can see all the vegans smiling at this).Shipments of meat, such as lamb, bacon and sausages, between Britain and the European Union will be disrupted next year even with a Brexit trade deal, as a shortage of veterinarians and a mountain of paperwork disrupt supply lines. Under the temporary transition period in force since Britain's departure from the EU at the end of January, meat imports and exports flow freely between the major trading partners. But from January 1st, 2021, vets will be required to conduct detailed examinations and issue documents certifying that British exports of animal products meet the health requirements of the European Union. British sausages, burgers and other meat preparations will also be banned from the EU unless frozen. New rules will also apply to EU exports coming into Britain. Britain's food, feed and drink exports to EU totalled £14.2 billion in 2019, while imports were worth £33.7 billion, British government data show. Lamb is among the most important of Britain's meat exports with around one-third of production traded abroad, mostly to the EU. On the flip side, Britain imports about 60% of the pig meat it consumes with the Netherlands the top supplier of bacon and hams, followed by Denmark. Germany is the most important source of sausages. British government estimates point to a ˜five-fold increase' in the number of certificates required for the smooth export of British meat and livestock.
Britain's food, feed and drink exports to EU totalled £14.2 billion in 2019, while imports were worth £33.7 billion, British government data show. Lamb is among the most important of Britain's meat exports with around one-third of production traded abroad, mostly to the EU.
Shipping and trade sources say Britain is not prepared and disruptions are also expected in European hubs such as Antwerp, Rotterdam and Calais. Britain's farming and environment ministry has stated that the country has prepared for the expected surge in paperwork by providing funds for more vets to become Official Veterinarians (OVs), the qualification required to make the checks, and 1,300 have this status, up from 600 previously. For many, however, this work will add to an already heavy load. Britain faces its worst winter for bird flu in several years, as well as bovine tuberculosis, and the country is alert to the potential threat of African Swine Fever. There is also pressure on the supply of vets in Britain as many are EU nationals from countries such as Spain.
