The Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) has said its ongoing efforts to prepare for the pending introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation feel “almost like Groundhog Day”.
NIGTA president Aidan Fisher made the comments in his speech to the organisation’s recent annual dinner, where he highlighted the growing complexities relating to the matter.
He said: “As we all know, local and national government policy can also have an impact on global supply chains.”
Fisher noted that NIGTA members have “invested considerable time and effort” in preparing for the implementation of the EU deforestation regulations.
“And we remain committed to continuing this work in the year ahead,” he said.
“However, despite repeated engagement, it feels almost like Groundhog Day as a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered: most notably around the designation of a competent authority for Northern Ireland and clarity on which elements of the regulation will apply here.
“Looking ahead to the European Commission’s review at the end of this month, we stand alongside our European trade association partners in calling for practical amendments that address wider obstacles to implementation.”
According to the NIGTA president, it is essential that these issues are resolved to ensure a smooth transition, and avoid potential shortfalls in critical commodities.
“This is because the uncertainty presents real challenges for businesses seeking to plan and comply,” he explained.
SPS agreement
Meanwhile, 2026 is also set to mark another pivotal milestone in the Brexit process: the negotiation of a UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) agreement.
And there is a general belief across the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland that it will go some way toward reducing red tape and regulatory divergence.
Fisher said: “However, we must also be realistic: such an agreement will not eliminate divergence entirely.
“As such, there is still a need for more effective, practical mechanisms to manage divergence in a way that supports trade and provides certainty for businesses.
“It is also important to recognise that customs arrangements sit outside the scope of any SPS agreement, yet remain a critical part of the overall trading environment and must remain on the agenda.”
The NIGTA president noted that the organisation continues to engage on these issues through the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group, and the newly established Northern Ireland Business Stakeholder Group.
“Stakeholder members recently visited Brussels to meet with key officials and ensure that the voice of our sector is clearly heard at the highest levels,” he said.
“It is clear for many to see and to understand the role of NIGTA in mitigating these challenges.”