The National Sheep Association (NSA) has responded to the UK Government’s announcement earlier this week on the easing of border control measures.
The NSA has welcomed the first steps towards a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trading agreement with the European Union, but has urged caution to protect the UK’s livestock sector.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Since our departure from the EU, NSA has been clear that establishing a new SPS trading agreement must be a key priority to maintain long established trade with our closest neighbours.
“Of the sheepmeat we export, some 95% still goes to the EU, and our processors and exporters have endured significant costs and bureaucracy since we became a ‘third country’.
“What was once a valuable trade in high-quality breeding animals ground to a halt following our departure, leaving breeders here frustrated, while Northern Ireland has faced unique challenges being both in the UK and under EU regulation.
“But trade works both ways, and while we welcome movement towards a new SPS agreement, we must ensure that biosecurity and disease prevention remain a top priority.”
Border checks
The NSA has stressed that livestock diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, swine fever, and further bluetongue variants, continue to circulate in the EU.
The association has called on the government to ensure strict biosecurity controls are upheld so the livestock industry and global reputation are not put at risk.
Stocker stressed that while the suspension of some border control measures is a positive step, it represents only the beginning of what is likely to be a lengthy negotiation process that will affect both animal and plant material.
“It’s now four years since we left the EU and, from an initial position of regulatory alignment, there are already a number of areas where things have shifted,” he continued.
“It is crucial we understand where misalignments exist, discuss what can be done to prevent these from disrupting trade, and identify what is needed for supply chains to function effectively and profitably here in Britain.
“That may sound like we want the best of both worlds, but in reality, it is both reasonable and achievable.
“For this to happen, Defra [Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs] and industry must work closely together to identify and address areas of regulatory misalignment.”
The NSA has stated that it wants to see more proactive engagement on this front.
