The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) in the UK and other horticultural trade groups across Europe have raised concerns about the effectiveness of new border checks. The HTA and its European counterparts have warned that the new checks are causing delays and disruptions in the supply chain, impacting the flow of plants and other horticultural products.
These new border checks are part of the post-Brexit trade agreements between the UK and the EU, which came into effect at the beginning of the year. The HTA and other industry groups argue that the checks are not functioning as intended, leading to increased costs for businesses and uncertainty for consumers.
The HTA has called on the UK government to address these issues and work with the EU to find solutions that will allow for the smooth movement of horticultural products across borders. They have stressed the importance of ensuring that plants and other horticultural goods can be transported quickly and efficiently to maintain the health and vitality of the industry.
The horticultural sector plays a vital role in the UK economy, contributing billions of pounds annually and supporting thousands of jobs. Any disruptions to the supply chain could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers alike.
The HTA and its European counterparts are urging policymakers to take action to resolve these issues and prevent further disruptions to the horticultural trade. They are calling for greater cooperation between the UK and the EU to ensure that border checks are streamlined and effective, allowing the industry to thrive and continue to provide high-quality products to consumers.
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