Environment Secretary in Northern Ireland for UK–EU Reset talks

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds is visiting Northern Ireland this week to meet farmers, growers and businesses at the heart of its agri-food sector and discuss the benefits of the new UK–EU food and drink deal.

Northern Ireland already benefits from full EU market access, thanks to its unique position under the Windsor Framework. But for the first time since EU Exit, most food and drink goods moving from GB to NI will no longer require checks, including regulatory certificates that can cost between £80 and £200 each, saving businesses millions every year. Over the last three years, these charges for Export Health Certificates have cost businesses between £13m and £32m.

By cutting “paperwork tax” an SPS agreement will make trade easier for businesses, help British produce reach European markets and could help bring down the cost of food and drink.

The new SPS agreement is part of rebuilding the UK's relationship with Europe in a way that strengthens the economy and supports trade, with the potential to boost UK GDP by up to £5.1 billion a year.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

We are cutting red tape and scrapping unnecessary checks, making it easier and cheaper to keep goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland's food and drink businesses deserve a better deal. That means protecting the UK internal market, supporting businesses and giving families more choice, availability and value across Northern Ireland.

At the Balmoral Show on Thursday 14 May – Northern Ireland's premier farming event – the Environment Secretary will meet stallholders and sector representatives from across the farming and horticultural communities, who will benefit from the removal of certification requirements for plants, seeds and used agricultural and forestry machinery. 

Northern Ireland Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Minister Matthew Patrick will also meet with farming community representatives and businesses at the Balmoral Show. He said:

Northern Ireland's agrifood sector is of great importance to the UK economy and to our food security, and I've been hugely impressed by the high-quality produce on offer at the Balmoral Show.

It's great that this deal will provide real benefits for consumers, helping to ensure availability and cut costs at a time when many are facing cost of living pressures.

The Environment Secretary and Borders Minister Baroness Hayman will also chair a roundtable discussion with members of the Confederation of British Industry, ensuring Northern Ireland businesses are represented in a deal that will cut paperwork, support choice and availability on supermarket shelves, and help ease food price inflation for families across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Eddie Murphy, Country Director for M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: 

We have over 20 stores and work with nearly 2,000 Select Farm partners in Northern Ireland.

This deal will remove unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce cost pressures, helping us to go further in offering Northern Irish customers the very best of M&S by speeding up the flow of goods and access to fresh produce.

The visit comes as the European Partnership Bill was announced at the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, kickstarting the legislative framework needed to implement the agreement and allow businesses to start realising its benefits from mid‑2027.

Along with the removal of the vast majority of food and drink checks, the new agreement will also dramatically reduce costs, paperwork and checks on flowers, plants and seeds moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while final restrictions on the movement of certain tree species will disappear.

Together, these changes will support Northern Ireland's farmers, gardeners, garden centres, environmental projects and rural businesses, ensuring they can benefit fully from smoother trade with Great Britain.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The Windsor Framework facilitates Northern Ireland's ability to trade freely within both the UK internal market and the EU Single Market. This will remain in place, addressing NI's unique dual market access and safeguarding the Good Friday agreement.  

What businesses in Northern Ireland can do now

• While negotiations continue, businesses can take practical steps to get ready:
• Engage with their relevant trade body or industry association: They will be key partners in providing sector-specific guidance and many are already working with government to help members prepare.
• Engage with your supply chain: To understand any changes that may apply to them.
• Sign up to Defra email alerts here for regular updates: To receive the latest information on negotiations, implementation timelines, and details of guidance and support available.
• Detailed guidance will be published as negotiations progress to ensure businesses across Northern Ireland – from farmers and processors to retailers and hauliers – are ready to benefit from day one.