The UK overnment deserves credit for cutting out red tape with its implementation of the new EU Marketing Standards compared to other EU states, according to the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).
Elsewhere across Europe, the industry is suffering from the imposition of a poorly thought-out regulation resulting in additional layers of bureaucracy, with the introduction of new standards for up to 400 different types of produce, the trade body claims.
Following strenuous lobbying by the FPC, it was ensured that General Marketing Standard products would not have to be entered onto the PEACH system, which will save the UK fresh produce industry significant time and costs estimated at £250,000 every year.
The implementation of the new EU Marketing Standards has gone smoothly in the UK, unlike the experiences of other European counterparts who have been angered by claims by the European Commission of savings to the industry of up to €970 million (£869.9m).
The FPC said in a statement: “Many small- to medium-sized businesses in the UK would have faced a mass of additional bureaucracy, as well as having to deal with the current economic pressures. RPAI recognised the issue and thanks to their common sense the UK market remains attractive to growers/exporters from around the world, making the UK the key European destination for imports.
"This is a great example of industry working effectively with a receptive government agency to deliver benefits for the sector. We look forward to working with RPAI to develop the Approved Trader Scheme, which should provide additional benefits.”
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