The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee has launched a fresh inquiry into biosecurity, focusing on safeguarding the UK’s horticultural sector. With new measures for plants and trade at the border, the inquiry invites stakeholders to shape policies that secure plant health and protect ecosystems. It’s a golden chance for the horticulture industry to influence the future of biosecurity in Britain.
Biosecurity at the Border: Horticulture in Focus
The inquiry zeroes in on biosecurity at the UK’s borders, particularly after recent plant health checks on EU goods. These measures are crucial for stopping pests and diseases that threaten the horticultural trade and ecosystems. The focus is on how strict these controls are and how they affect trade.
The EFRA Committee will also assess whether Defra’s strategies, including the Border Target Operating Model, effectively address current risks. This means reviewing the resources of agencies like the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to ensure they’re up to the task.
UK Biosecurity: Shaping Plant Health Policies
The EFRA Committee wants feedback from everyone in the horticulture world. Whether you’re a grower, trader, or involved in plant health, your input is key. The Committee is asking for evidence on several topics. These include personal and commercial import controls, enforcement of regulations, and the impact of policies on businesses.
The horticultural sector is encouraged to share ideas about improving plant health strategies. Policymakers are also keen to hear how these changes might affect trade and supply chains. If you’re in the industry, this is your chance to speak up and make a difference.
The horticultural sector faces unique challenges, and this inquiry is a step towards addressing them. Strengthening biosecurity policies is not just about stopping pests; it’s about ensuring the future of UK horticulture. Your say matters, so let your voice be heard.
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