An early conclusion of a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and EU is “a realistic objective”, according to Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael.
However, he emphasised that all risks for British farmers must be considered before it is signed.
He made the comments at a recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee meeting, which focused on its into the impacts, opportunities, and risks of a potential UK-EU SPS agreement.
SPS agreement
Speaking as the EFRA Committee chair, Carmichael said: “It is clear from our time in Brussels that the prime minister’s reset in May 2025 has created a political environment in which the early conclusion of a SPS agreement with the EU is a realistic objective.”
He noted that accelerating towards an agreement has its pros and cons, with the process of dynamic alignment weakening the position of British farmers by limiting access to agri-food products being identified as a potential threat.
Carmichael stated: “We heard deep concerns from the agri-food sector that unqualified dynamic alignment risks placing additional burdens on UK farmers, while undercutting them with cheaper imports produced under weaker standards.
“Our report therefore recommends that the government seek a Swiss-style carve-out for animal welfare rules, ensuring that the UK is not compelled to follow every regulatory change that could be to the detriment of higher UK standards in this area.”
Precision agriculture
Additionally, the Orkney and Shetland MP urged the government to ensure that precision-based products are exempted within the agreement from dynamic alignment.
He said: “Some of the UK is ahead of the EU in this area, with farmers in England already having been enabled to grow and market precision-bred seeds, plants, food and animal feed.
“Without an exemption, we risk losing the benefits of moving first.
“Mandatory alignment with future EU rules could undermine our progress and innovation and weaken the UK’s leadership in the sector.”
Carmichael added that any workable agreement will require “careful, phased implementation”, with the EFRA Committee recommending a a minimum 24-month implementation period for any major regulatory changes.
