No-deal could put future of pork farms in jeopardy

British pig farming leaders have warned the government a no-deal Brexit could cause untold damage if tariffs and checks on imported pigs are waived as part of the exit process.

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), the cabinet has been discussing how the UK’s tariff regime would look if Britain leaves the EU without the Withdrawal Agreement in place, with an announcement expected soon.

“Cabinet ministers, including International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, have made it clear the UK is considering a regime of zero or low tariffs on agricultural food imports to try and keep food prices under control,” said the NPA.

“Yet UK exporters would face full EU tariffs and border delays on a wide range of products if we exit without a transition period in place.”

Such a scenario would place many pig businesses in an impossible position, added NPA chief executive Zoe Davies, arguing that domestic producers would be unable to compete with cheap imports, a fact which would “seriously undermine” the industry’s capacity to produce British pork.

“We have always seen opportunities from leaving the EU, so long as the trading conditions are fair,” she said. “But a zero-tariff would not be fair and would be a kick in the teeth for the UK pork sector.

“It would be the worst of all worlds, putting enormous pressure on businesses already operating under the tightest of margins.

“It would jeopardise the future of pork production in the UK, increasing our reliance on imports.

“We strongly urge the government to consider this as it finalises its policy.”