In a letter to industry, Environment Minister Sue Hayman confirmed that the government was again looking to delay the introduction of controls on fresh fruit and vegetables until July 1, 2025.
The U.K.’s fresh produce sector has been warning that it is still in the dark over the scope of the controls — which already apply to other EU plant and animal products.
Industry says the checks will create £200 million in extra costs to industry and consumers and could push up prices in supermarkets.
This week trade group the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) said that following discussions with ministers and officials “an extension to 1 July 2025 is being proposed by Defra.”
The FPC said an extension would be “most encouraging” and would “allow industry to prepare” and “understand the requirements and impacts these will have.”
“We are delighted … that there is a willingness of the new Government to work with industry by delaying this date,” a spokesperson for the group said.
