UK’s Biosecurity Measures Under Scrutiny: EFRA Committee Launches Inquiry into Animal and Plant Imports

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK's biosecurity measures for animal and plant imports, focusing on the effectiveness of existing controls and their impact on international trade. With heightened awareness around biosecurity risks in recent years, this inquiry represents a pivotal opportunity for the environmental horticulture sector to influence future policies that will shape plant health, trade regulations, and the broader supply chain landscape.

Focus on Border Biosecurity

The inquiry comes at a crucial time as the UK navigates the complexities of post-Brexit trade and biosecurity. Last year, the UK introduced new animal and plant health checks on goods from the European Union, significantly altering the dynamics of trade and biosecurity management at the border. These changes have raised important questions about the adequacy of biosecurity measures in place, especially as concerns over pests, diseases, and ecosystem health continue to grow.

The EFRA Committee will assess the stringency of current biosecurity controls, scrutinising their effectiveness in protecting the UK from potential risks. This will include a review of personal and commercial import controls, particularly in the context of the absence or uncertainty surrounding a formal sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) or veterinary agreement with the EU.

A Broader Examination of Biosecurity Challenges

The inquiry will cover several key issues, including the role of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in enforcing biosecurity standards, the performance of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model, and the communication between Defra and stakeholders. The Committee will also look into broader biosecurity challenges, such as the potential for ecosystem collapse due to pests and diseases, and the risks to UK forestry posed by invasive species.

The Chair of the EFRA Committee, Alistair Carmichael MP, emphasised the importance of robust biosecurity measures, warning that weak points in the UK’s defences could have severe consequences, particularly for the agriculture sector. Carmichael noted the catastrophic impact that a disease like African swine fever could have on the UK's food supply chain and agricultural industries.

He stated:

“The biosecurity measures we have in this country are of the utmost importance. Any weak points expose the UK to serious risks, such as African swine fever, which would have catastrophic consequences for the agriculture sector."

Call for Evidence

As part of the inquiry, the Committee is seeking written evidence from a wide range of stakeholders. This includes contributions from sectors such as veterinary, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and food and drink supply chains, as well as from enforcement bodies like local authorities and port health authorities. The inquiry aims to gather a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the current biosecurity framework and to identify areas for immediate improvement.

The EFRA Committee has outlined several key points for evidence submissions:

Adequacy of Personal Import Controls: How effective are the current controls on animals, plants, and their products? Are enforcement practices adequate to manage the risks posed by personal imports?

Adequacy of SPS Controls on Commercial Imports: What is the impact of SPS controls on commercial imports, and how well are these measures enforced? How are businesses affected by the new regulations, and what improvements can be made?

Performance of Defra and Its Agencies: How well are Defra and its agencies, such as APHA, implementing and communicating the Border Target Operating Model? Are there gaps in engagement with stakeholders that need addressing?

Remedial Measures for Biosecurity Improvement: In the absence of a formal SPS agreement with the EU, what immediate actions can be taken to strengthen biosecurity at the border? How can concerns raised in submissions be remedied to ensure a more robust system?

Submissions are due by 23:59 on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide evidence on any or all of the points outlined above. Based on what feedback is received from members, the Association will be looking to submit evidence.

The Impact of the Inquiry

This inquiry holds significant importance for the environmental horticulture sector, which is directly affected by changes to biosecurity and import regulations. The horticultural industry faces unique challenges in managing plant health and preventing the spread of pests and diseases, making it crucial that the sector has a voice in shaping the future of UK biosecurity policies.

The inquiry’s findings could lead to substantial changes in how the UK manages its borders and interacts with international trade partners. With the possibility of an SPS agreement with the EU still uncertain, the outcomes of this inquiry will likely be pivotal in determining the UK's approach to biosecurity moving forward.

Have Your Say

This is an important opportunity for businesses and stakeholders in the environmental horticulture sector to ensure their views are represented. If you have insights or concerns about UK biosecurity measures and their impact on your operations, we encourage you to get in touch with the relevant industry association. By sharing your perspectives, you can help shape the future of biosecurity policy in the UK.

We will be collecting feedback to ensure that the voices of horticulture professionals are heard in this important inquiry. Together, we can ensure that the industry's interests are effectively represented as the UK continues to navigate the complexities of biosecurity and international trade.

For more information, to submit evidence, or to share your views with us, please contact the Association directly. Let's work together to protect the health of our plants, industries, and environment.