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The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report, published today<\/a>, says an SPS agreement with the EU could bring many benefits for UK consumers, farmers and producers if it lowers costs by removing the need for border checks and other red tape and makes supply chains more resilient.<\/p>\nHowever, it outlines various potential problems that should be avoided as the UK faces having to change certain regulations to align with the EU \u2013 and stresses that any future deal must not disadvantage UK agriculture and meat businesses.<\/p>\n
Negotiations between the UK and EU Commission towards a common area for SPS regulations began in November 2025 and the government is optimistic of concluding them in 2027.<\/p>\n
Key recommendations include:<\/p>\n
Animal welfare standards <\/p>\n
Ministers should seek a Swiss-style exemption from the principle of dynamic alignment with the EU regarding animal welfare standards.<\/p>\n
This would mean the UK would not be expected to change its own regulations on animal welfare every time the EU does so.<\/p>\n
There is uncertainty on whether the SPS deal could include new regulations introducing new labelling systems that indicate conditions in which livestock and poultry have been reared. Food Standards Scotland told the Committee this would be a \u2018technical barrier to trade\u2019.<\/p>\n
The Government should ensure UK farmers are not undercut by products from EU countries with lower animal welfare standards. The Committee is also concerned that undercutting could occur if the Government\u2019s recently published Animal Welfare Strategy places extra burdens on UK farmers.<\/p>\n
The report urged the government to set out the practical measures it will take to protect producers.<\/p>\n
Border controls and illegal meat imports<\/p>\n
Any future SPS agreement will require adjustments to existing border controls, but it remains essential that GB retains the ability to apply robust, evidence-based measures to prevent the introduction of diseases from Europe.<\/p>\n
Defra must not wait until SPS negotiations are concluded before developing a strategy to reduce demand for illegally imported animal products. The Committee reiterates a recommendation made in its previous report on this topic that, by June 2026, the Government should begin work with the FSA, FSS and local authorities to develop a strategy to tackle the domestic demand for imported illegal meat.<\/p>\n
Precision breeding <\/p>\n
The Government should seek an exemption from dynamic alignment with EU regulations for the growing and selling of precision-bred products in the England.<\/p>\n
The Committee is concerned that without an exemption UK growers could lose the benefits of the UK having moved first in this area if it was required to align with relevant EU regulations.<\/p>\n
This is relevant to the pig sector in light of PIC\u2019s efforts to seek approval for its gene-edited PRRS-resistant pigs.<\/p>\n
Communication<\/p>\n
The Government should set out how it intends to communicate the realities of dynamic alignment \u2013 not only to affected businesses, farmers, producers, and industry stakeholders, but also the wider public.<\/p>\n
NI Veterinary and Medicines Agreement <\/p>\n
The Government should actively pursue a Veterinary Medicines Agreement with the EU in tandem with the SPS agreement to facilitate smoother trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.<\/p>\n
Timings and contingency plan<\/p>\n
The Government has said it hopes negotiations to establish a common SPS area will be completed by early-2027 and implemented in the first half of the same year.<\/p>\n
The Committee urges the Government to build realistic implementation periods of at least 24 months for any regulatory changes that arise from dynamic alignment with the EU once the SPS agreement comes into force.<\/p>\n
The Government should set out its contingency plans for the SPS negotiations, recognising that an SPS agreement is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n
\u2018A lot on the menu\u2019<\/p>\n
EFRA Committee chair Alistair Carmichael MP said: \u201cMaking it easier to trade with our European neighbours should present a feast of benefits for British businesses, farmers and consumers. But there is a lot on the menu for the Government to consider, and our recommendations aim to help Ministers set the table.\u201d<\/p>\n
NPA response <\/p>\n
NPA public affairs manager Tom Haynes said: \u201cThis is another comprehensive, insightful and important report from the EFRA Committee. We support the sensible recommendations made \u2013 and urge the government to implement the findings as negotiations continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom our own discussions across the sector, we fully endorse the calls for the government to secure an implementation period of at least 24 months for sectors to make necessary adjustments resulting from the agreement\u00a0\u2013 and for contingency plans to be made in case things don\u2019t go according to plan.<\/p>\n