The UK and EU are expected to sign a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement at a summit on 20 November, aiming to remove most checks, certificates and paperwork for trade in food, plants and animal-origin products.

Although the deal was largely agreed in May, it is not expected to take effect until the first quarter of 2028, leaving businesses under current border rules in the meantime.

The Horticultural Trades Association estimates the agreement could eliminate about £60 million a year in UK horticulture costs, including inspection, certification, port, agent, labour and haulage expenses; that figure excludes losses from delays, damaged goods and missed sales.

Angela Eagle said lower costs could put downward pressure on food prices, but did not promise direct price cuts for consumers.

The National Farmers’ Union says UK food and drink exports to the EU have fallen by more than a third since Brexit, with egg, chicken and potato producers among the hardest hit.

With implementation still more than a year away, the Horticultural Trades Association’s chief executive, Fran Barnes, has urged the government to offer interim relief, such as reducing checks on lower-risk imports.

Provender Nurseries in Swanley, Kent, has spent at least £500,000 on a post-Brexit inspection facility and equipment, including electric forklifts, that could become obsolete under the new rules.

Provender Nurseries managing director Richard McKenna said the business needs more detail but hopes easier trade will encourage European suppliers to resume exports to Great Britain.

British exporters, including seed potato producers and mussel businesses, hope the agreement will reopen EU trade halted after Brexit; a certification dispute ended EU sales of British seed potatoes, and some firms established operations in Ireland to keep supplying customers.

Pesticide rules could still cause disruption because the UK uses some treatments banned in the EU, potentially affecting British potato products; Eagle said both sides were aware of the risk of food waste.

The timetable has slipped from the mid-2027 target after negotiations paused following the change from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, with Eagle saying the extra time helped address difficult issues including pesticide rules.