The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is expected today to go to the national media with the story that shortcomings at Defra are threatening fresh produce supplies to retailers’ shelves when the new plant-health legislation comes into force on April 7.
FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney told freshinfo: “I am utterly dismayed that Defra has failed to engage constructively and provide clear guidance to the industry.”
Now the consortium is taking the trade’s plight to the national press, in a strongly worded statement that makes it clear Defra’s “unco-operative and unhelpful attitude will threaten continued supplies of imported fruit and vegetables when new imports legislation is fully implemented”.
Many FPC members believe that the industry is hamstrung by Defra’s lack of communication and absence of clear information about exactly how procedures will operate under the new regime.
As previously reported on freshinfo, the legislation requires increased plant-health checks on imported consignments. “We are deeply concerned about possible interruptions in fresh produce supply, which will have a very real impact on the availability of fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves, and which could damage healthy- eating initiatives, such as the government’s 5 A DAY scheme,” the FPC’s press release to the national media reads. “Furthermore, the lack of suitable information will also place the cut-flower industry, which relies heavily on imports, at a considerable disadvantage.”
Meanwhile, some members of the consortium fear that there is “complacency and apathy” in the trade itself to this issue. “The reality is dawning with a few in the trade, and they are very worried about the lack of action from Defra,” said one insider. “But others still don’t seem to understand the implications to our businesses, even despite all the efforts that are being made on their behalf. They think it is just enough to leave it to the agents, but what will happen if they don’t have the product their customers are demanding?”
Jenney has said that the attitude of the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) is in stark contrast to other Defra agencies, which have “gone out of their way to work with the industry” and ensure that new legislation and initiatives are implemented smoothly.
Worryingly, with less than two weeks to go before implementation, not only is there a lack of communication and availability of detailed information, so that businesses are very uncertain about what the rules will mean to them, but PHSI also appears to lack the resources to undertake the relevant checks.
“Government efficiency targets are all well and good, but there is a real possibility that this situation could lead to significant increased costs to the industry, with the potential outcome of the industry migrating to the continent to maintain current efficiency levels - with resulting business and job losses,” warned Jenney. “It is disappointing that PHSI seems content to ignore government’s own business support and better regulation objectives, which the rest of government is being compelled to meet. This is even more galling as the industry is required to pay for PHSI inspections - and there is no hint of anything approaching customer service from Defra.
“The FPC and the industry in general have repeatedly asked Defra for clear information detailing exactly how the implementation of the legislation will work on the ground…We call on Defra to provide the industry with inform-ation so that businesses can continue to operate, and fresh produce supply is not interrupted.”
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