In this section, we examine how the trade agreement between the UK and the EU would impact the availability, pricing, and quality of the food that we now have on our shelves.
Food and Drink
An accord has been reached between the EU and the UK. The European Union has stated that there will be no taxes placed on any goods entering or departing the United Kingdom. Because of this, it is anticipated that there would be no rapid increases in the prices of food and other items.
Where exactly do our meals and beverages originate?
beverages
Around 50 percent of the food that is consumed in the UK is currently produced domestically, while the remaining 30 percent comes from other EU countries. An additional 11 percent comes from nations that are not members of the EU as a result of trade treaties signed by the EU. However, the quantity that we produce differs depending on the kind of food: we produce 80% of the beef and cheese that we consume, 93% of green peas, and 97% of potatoes. However, there are certain kinds of food that humans do not or are unable to produce: The European Union (EU) is the source of 92 percent of the peaches and nectarines that we consume, as well as 99 percent of the spinach that we eat. Both 98% of our coffee and 90% of our bananas are imported from countries that are not members of the EU.
Which kinds of food will see price increases as a result of the Brexit?
At this time, there is none, although this may change if there were shifts in supply and demand or currencies. As a result of the agreement between the UK and the EU, there will be no tariffs placed on any food that is imported from the EU. This
food standards
will allow for free commerce. This may contain cheeses from France or Italy, meats from Italy, tomatoes from the Netherlands or Ireland, or beef from Ireland. There will be additional checks at the border, which may result in some additional expenses; nevertheless, we anticipate that these costs will be manageable.
Will there be no change to the food standards?
Consumers do not desire lower food standards, even if it implies cheaper food, according to study conducted by which? Standards in some of the countries that have been prioritised for future trade treaties, such as the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, are different from those in the United Kingdom, and in certain situations, this means that those countries have lower standards.
Because the negotiations will also include a large number of other products and services, the United Kingdom may come under pressure to agree to accept food that was produced to standards that were lower than those already in place. If food safety regulations were lowered, it may entail less protection for customers, whether in terms of the safety of food, its quality, or the welfare of animals.
If food safety requirements were lowered for imported goods, it may put UK farmers and food manufacturers at a disadvantage when trying to compete with food produced to lower standards and, as a result, at lower prices. This might result in UK producers going out of business, and industry experts have stated that once we lose animal breeds or farming capacities, it will be extremely difficult to get them back up to their previous levels.
