Brexit workshop, 30 October 2020

In collaboration with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), COLEACP organised a workshop on 30 October to present a set of practical recommendations (and remaining points of uncertainty) for ACP horticultural businesses trading directly or indirectly (via the EU) with the United Kingdom. Representatives from the Fresh Produce Consortium and Freshfel Europe also shared their analyses and priority areas for action.

Context

The UK officially left the European Union on 31 January 2020, and is now entering the final stages of the 11-month transition period. Given the current state of discussions between EU and UK officials, it is unfortunately still premature to predict the outcome of the negotiations between the two trading blocs.

Issues

The ACP horticultural industry will inevitably be facing several new challenges, with a no-deal outcome generating more acute problems in some areas. The Brexit workshop addressed (among others) issues around trade documentation, border control, logistical challenges and potential future market developments. Prior to the workshop, COLEACP issued a background document.

Feedback

A short post-meeting survey found that all of the participants felt the workshop met their overall expectations, with 70% “very satisfied” and 20% “completely satisfied”. 90% were happy with the background document, with 60% “completely satisfied”. Only 15% experienced any technical problems during the virtual meeting.

One respondent summed up the generally positive comments: “Time well spent.”