Exporters of game meat to the European Union have come up against the same 'friction' that has beset other sectors since the full effect of Brexit came into force on January 1.

The British Game Alliance has heard from many of its registered game dealers and processors that the paperwork now required for the export of game to Europe is being rejected at different stages in the export process, both in the UK and in Europe.

British Game Alliance CEO Liam Stokes said: "The export of British game into Europe is a key part of the game meat market, and there is clearly an issue. We now need everyone who has been experiencing problems to send us all the detail they can so we can work with our Defra partners to get this sorted."

The BGA and St David’s Game Bird Services have already met with Defra to discuss the problems being encountered, and have appealed to businesses in the sector to provide detail of their own experiences to back up the ongoing efforts to put things right.

Throughout the Covid crisis and Brexit preparations, the BGA has been in touch with the relevant Defra food and farming teams, and was able to convene an urgent meeting at short notice to discuss the situation, with St David's Kenny Nutting there to offer an update on the situation on the ground. Defra have committed to review the paperwork and identify where the problems are occurring, whilst the BGA committed to source as much information as possible about why paperwork was being rejected.

"We are very grateful to Defra for their rapid response and their enthusiasm to help find a solution," added Mr Stokes.