While national body UKHospitality has already warned that a no-deal Brexit would cause ‘serious problems’ for the sector, Soil Association head of standards, Chris Atkinson, echoed this, claiming that it would be ‘the worst possible scenario.’
He added: “Frictionless trade with the EU is critically important for the food and farming sector.
“It’s vitally important the UK remains in the customs union and stays aligned with EU standards on food and environment as a minimum. A no deal Brexit is the worst possible scenario.
“The technical notices offer no further clarity to businesses and provide neither reassurance nor advice on how to prepare for a potential ‘no deal’ scenario.
“They confirm the scale of the challenge we face and the vital importance that the UK achieves a workable deal with the EU.
“The information outlined raises concerns that imports and exports to and from the EU may be held up for months. The critical issue of continuing recognition by the EU of the organic status of products certified in the UK is left entirely unresolved by this paper and a similar document was issued by the EU some months ago.
“We are also concerned that a new UK-owned imports traceability system to replace the current EU system would need to be in place by 29 March 2019. In our view, this is an unrealistic goal within the time frame. Delays could significantly hinder trade.
“The EU is the UK’s closest, largest and most important trading partner, therefore ensuring effective trade with the EU should be the immediate priority over trade deals with other countries.
“Such deals pose potential risks, particularly to UK food and farming, partly due to the risks of allowing food of lower production standards to enter the UK.
“Irrespective of what form Brexit eventually takes, there is serious concern that UK farming will also lose the ring-fenced budget for farm payments that all other EU countries will continue to enjoy.”
Meanwhile, chairman of pub chain Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, reckons “the public and hospitality industry will be far better off with free trade and no deal.”
Martin said: “By leaving the EU without a deal in March next year, the UK can opt for free trade and eliminate these tariffs on non-EU imports, immediately reducing prices in shops, pubs and restaurants.
“ As a result, under World Trade Organisational (WTO) rules, EU imports would also be tariff-free since, without a deal, the rules say that all countries must be treated equally.
“By avoiding Theresa May’s proposed deal, the UK also avoids paying £39 billion to the EU, equivalent to £600 for every person in the UK.
“Control of UK fishing waters would also be reasserted, boosting coastal communities.”