Defra are establishing a new industry forum for all businesses within the agri-food supply chain and moving goods between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI).
The NI-GB Food Supply Chain Forum aims to create a community for open discussion of issues affecting business. It will focus on operational implementation issues in the main and ensure the open communication of relevant policy and delivery developments associated with movements into and from NI.
The new forum will be an important opportunity for businesses, organisations, industry bodies and government partners across the entire agri-food supply chain from GB to NI and NI to GB, including but not limited to:
- food producers
- food processors (such as abattoirs)
- food manufacturers
- suppliers
- wholesalers
- logistics companies
- hauliers
- ports and port authorities
- retailers
- hospitality businesses
- trade associations
- Official Veterinarians (OVs)
- Food Competent Certifying Officers (FCCOs)
- Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors (PHSIs)
Defra will provide regular operational updates, alongside key public sector and government partners across government, including DAERA, HM Revenue & Customs and the Food Standards Agency.
The forum is initially planned to take place weekly and first meeting of the forum is planned for Thursday 20 May at 9am and will last 30 minutes. The frequency and duration of meetings may alter as we approach key implementation milestones (e.g. October 2021).
How you can take part?
DEFRA would like this community to be as representative as possible so would welcome registrations from the wide range of organisations involved in moving agri-food goods from GB to NI and NI to GB.
Please register your interest using the link below, and DEFRA will contact you with further details, the Forum’s terms of reference and the information you’ll need to take part. If you have any questions about the forum in the meantime, please email NIGBFoodSupplyChainForum@defra.gov.uk
You can register interest here