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<p>The UK has a highly resilient food supply chain. Our thorough preparations for
leaving the EU in 2019, alongside the lessons we have learned during the Covid-19
response, provide a robust foundation for end of Transition Period planning on food
supply. We are working alongside industry and across Government, including with the
Devolved Administrations, to plan for the end of this year. The Government has well
established ways of working with the food industry, which is experienced in dealing
with situations that can cause disruptions to supply.</p><p>In terms of disruption
at the border, the Border Operating Model (<a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-operating-model"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-border-operating-model</a>)
provides greater detail on how the border with the EU will work following the end
of the Transition Period and the mechanisms which will seek to mitigate the impact
of additional volumes of traffic. We will, for example, have a contingency measure
to prioritise single loads of fresh seafood and day old chicks which met the bar of
hitting two out of three of the following criteria: perishability, animal welfare
considerations, and economic impact on a specific geographical area. Defra is working
very closely with other Government departments and local stakeholders, such as the
Kent Resilience Forum, to ensure that those wishing to trade with the EU can do so
in the most efficient and effective way possible.</p><p> </p><p>Defra has made regulatory
provisions for all veterinary medicines currently authorised for use in the UK via
an EU approval system to continue to be authorised in the UK after the end of the
transition period. These products can remain on the UK market for sale and supply
in their existing packaging.</p><p> </p><p>Defra’s close working relationship with
the veterinary pharmaceutical industry has enabled the industry to prepare for the
end of the transition period, including taking mitigating actions in the event of
disruption to supply. These activities include maximising stocks within the UK and
diverting supply routes away from the short straits, where the greatest risk of interruption
to supply is posed, that being from border disruption. In addition, veterinary medicines
are classified as eligible for use of the Government Secured Freight Capacity.</p><p>
</p><p>We have well-established mechanisms for dealing with supply issues as and when
they arise. Enhanced early warning indicator systems are now in place which will provide
early warnings of demand exceeding supply. The prescribing cascade legislation, which
for availability and animal welfare reasons permits veterinary surgeons to import
veterinary medicines from outside the UK, allows sourcing of products from countries
beyond the EU.</p><p> </p><p>Almost all fresh produce (including fruit, vegetables
and cut flowers) from the EU will not be subject to any plant heath import controls
until April 2021. From April, fresh produce will require a phytosanitary certificate
and some goods will also require pre-notification. Importantly, there will continue
to be no physical checks required at the border until July 2021 for almost all produce.
From July onwards physical checks will be undertaken at approved designated Border
Control posts on a risk basis. Any required checks will be performed as quickly as
possible to minimise delays to the passage of goods and maintain border flow.</p><p>
</p><p>The phased approach will allow time for trade to adapt to the new import requirements
for EU goods.</p><p> </p><p>GB plant health authorities are undertaking significant
recruitment to increase the number of plant health inspectors in order to service
the demand for import and export checks and certification. We will have sufficient
resources to meet demand from 1 January 2021 and ensure minimal disruption to trade.
GB plant health services are currently reviewing their operating hours to make sure
that biosecurity standards will continue to be met and strengthened in ways that support
trade and the smooth flow of goods while minimising new burdens on businesses.</p>
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