ORGANIC BUSINESSES can prepare for Brexit by utilising a free online service provided by the Soil Association.

This comes at a critical time for the UK’s organic sector with the Soil Association warning that a no deal Brexit brings ‘maximum uncertainty’ for food and farming.

Currently, in the event of no deal, UK organic producers will not be able to export to the EU unless certified by an EU-approved organic control body. Soil Association Certification and other UK certification bodies are unable to officially apply for this status until the UK has left the EU, any break in recognition would mean organic exports from the UK to the EU would effectively be blocked.

The newly launched online support service consists of a Brexit support phone line, email address and online chat system, and will be monitored by a dedicated team who will strive to answer questions and provide up to date information to the sector on preparing for a no deal Brexit. An accompanying web page has also been launched, including key information and requirements needed in order for the organic sector to prepare for leaving the EU.

Associate Director of Farming, Soil Association, Liz Bowles, said: “In the event of a no-deal Brexit, recognition of UK organic certification by the EU is anticipated to cease overnight with a prospect of a prolonged period when organic exports to the EU could become impossible,” she stressed.

“An ongoing lack of clarity and progress from government, despite the work of many organisations in the sector, means we are still no clearer how long this break in the ability of organic businesses to export will be. Any break – whether it is 6 days or 6 months – could be devastating for many organic businesses,” she continued.

“A no deal exit threatens the long-term sustainability of British agriculture, alongside our efforts to reduce emissions and fight climate change – both on UK soil and overseas. This flies in the face of government promises to be an ‘environmental superpower’ after Brexit. Consumers will ultimately end up paying the price – with the stark choice of poor-quality food produced unsustainably overseas, rather than the high-quality, locally-produced food they currently enjoy. Our farmers are producing many forms of public good – from high-quality food to environmental protections – and the question for government is whether sacrificing all this on the altar of a no deal Brexit and the pursuit of trade deals at any cost is a price they are willing to pay,” she concluded.

Funding for the hotline comes from the government’s “Brexit readiness fund”, set up to help sectors most at risk from a no-deal Brexit. The readiness service is open to all organic businesses in the UK, not just those certified by Soil Association Certification.

Businesses wishing to contact the support service should email Brexitsupport@soilassociation.org or call 03334141451. Updated information on organic and Brexit is available at www.soilassociation.org/brexitforbusiness