The EU agricultural sector calls for measures in the face of a hard 'brexit'
A 'hard brexit' concerns the European agri-food sector. The Copa Cogeca, CELCAA and FoodDrinkEurope organizations have sent a letter to the European negotiator for the "brexit", Michel Barnier, insisting that an exit ordered by London, including a transitory period, "remains the only way to prevent that the march of the United Kingdom has a huge impact on the agrifood chain ".
Concern for smaller exporters
"The EU should be prepared for a non-agreement scenario. The companies, farmers and agricultural cooperatives of both parties are working on measures, "says the letter, which states that these actions" will not prevent a large distortion of supply chains "in case of no agreement.
In addition, the producers add, "it is proving difficult for smaller operators to prepare adequately, since they will have to face export procedures for the first time and will lack the necessary resources."
Therefore, the organizations ask the European institutions to consider the application of "Unilateral contingency measures" specific to the agri-food sector, including some related to customs, labeling, food safety and transport.
They are also invited to reflect on possible adjustments in agricultural markets and prepare "support policies and emergency funds" to quickly resolve any "unforeseen events".
Agri-food, one of the most affected sectors
"There is no doubt that the agri-food sector will be one of the most affected by the UK's exit from the EU due to the use of its highly integrated supply chains and the manufacture of perishable products," the producers warn.
In 2017, the agri-food exports from the EU to the United Kingdom amounted to 41.000 million euros, while the British exports to the EU reached 17.000 million.
This trade employs about 44 million people in the Twenty-eight.
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