UK and EU close in on agricultural deal to reduce Brexit barriers

"The SPS agreement would spell the end of physical checks on farm produce and the end of the need for veterinary certificates, which cost 200 each."

"An SPS deal would not erase all paperwork, with British exporters still having to fill out customs, VAT, and safety and security declarations."

"Before Brexit, Scottish langoustines and molluscs could be fished and reach diners in Paris within a day, but border checks reduced the seafood's shelf life."

"The UK could have pursued an alternative path such as the mutual recognition of food standards that supports trade between New Zealand and the UK."

A new agriculture agreement with the EU is nearing completion, aiming to reduce Brexit trade barriers, particularly for Scottish langoustines and oysters. While it will not eliminate all paperwork, it will end physical checks on farm produce and veterinary certificates. This could significantly enhance the export potential of Scottish seafood, which faced challenges due to border checks. Labour's plan involves dynamic alignment with EU regulations, while alternative paths like mutual recognition of food standards were also discussed.

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