Tim Chambers, owner of WB Chambers Farms in Kent, highlighted the challenges faced due to Brexit border delays, stating he had "no choice" but to leave 300 tons of strawberries to rot in the fields. Chambers noted, "There was a market for them, but we couldn't get the fruit there quickly enough because of paperwork and delays." He emphasized the impact on delivery reliability, adding, "We used to be certain we could deliver to our foreign customers on a particular day or even hour — we can't do that anymore."
Chambers explained the financial implications, stating, "If you lose one day of shelf life on a four-day product, that's 25% of the load and typically a waste level of 10% equates to around £10,000 in losses - we can't afford to stomach that, so we have to walk away."
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch, a Brexit supporter, emphasized the need to "reduce trade barriers" with the EU, especially amidst a global trade war. She remarked, "With the trade tariffs that President Trump is putting on the EU, the EU should be looking to reduce trade barriers with the UK." Badenoch urged a re-evaluation of the EU deal, stating, "This is the time to start removing barriers, and that's what the government should be focused on- there's no reason to make things as complicated as they are."
The new post-Brexit inspection system has reportedly caused "chaos" at borders, with soaring costs and delays affecting growers and importers. Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Food Consortium, reported "delays of up to 20 hours at Border Control Posts (BCPs)" and highlighted the financial burden on the industry. He noted, "For a small business we're talking costs of £40,000 a year, an average-sized business - £300,000, and for big business over a million."
John Davidson of Tom Brown Wholesale Limited discussed increased costs due to checks on imported flowers, stating, "We're looking at an extra £225,000 we've had to pay out." He also mentioned "frequent delays" impacting business, citing a Mother's Day incident where delivery delays affected sales.
In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson stated, "We are working closely with traders to facilitate movement of goods at the border and will continue to engage with industry to minimise disruption whilst protecting UK biosecurity." The spokesperson added, "We will seek to negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU to prevent unnecessary border checks, boost trade and deliver benefits to businesses and consumers in the UK and the EU."
Source: LBC