A new agreement between the UK and the European Union aims to simplify trade in food, animals, and plants. Announced last week, the updated Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement is part of a broader plan to improve post-Brexit relations. The deal is expected to ease border checks and cut down on paperwork for importers and exporters.
While many businesses see this as a positive step, some British growers fear it may put them at a disadvantage.
Andy Burton, who runs Double H Nurseries in New Milton, supplies indoor plants to UK supermarkets, garden centres, and online retailers. He shared his concerns about how the deal could affect local producers.
“We still don’t know exactly what’s changing,” said Burton. “But we believe most of the plant health checks on EU imports will be removed. That might sound good for trade, but it actually reduces the barriers for foreign growers. It means UK growers like us lose one of the few protections we had.”
Burton also pointed out the lack of clarity around when the changes will start. “We’ve heard it might take up to 18 months for the changes to kick in. That’s frustrating,” he said. “We’re still spending thousands every month on paperwork that may soon be pointless. If everyone knows these checks will end, why keep enforcing them so strictly in the meantime?”
As the government works out the details, growers across the UK are watching closely. While the SPS agreement may help smooth trade routes, it could also create new challenges for homegrown businesses already under pressure.
