Increasing trade in plants, agricultural products, food, and drink

The Industry Forum were delighted to welcome Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, to lead a roundtable on ‘Increasing trade in plants, agricultural products, food and drink.’ This is vital for the government’s overall plans to increase growth, and also vital for the sectors concerned. The meeting was sponsored by the Horticultural Trades Association whose CEO, Fran Barnes opened the meeting by outlining the significant issues facing HTA members as a result of the UK’s position outside the EU, our largest market. With industry specialists, major retailers and some EU diplomats present, the meeting ranged widely over the issues faced by many product sectors. It was clear that the government shares the objectives of business and is working as fast as possible to cover the many legislative changes and other practical steps needed to bring the UK and EU into better alignment, and reduce the serious trade frictions and unnecessary costs caused by Brexit.