The Horticultural Trades Association delivered oral evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into the operation of the Windsor Framework. This inquiry examines the post-Brexit legal agreement, beginning with a session focused on how the framework affects businesses and consumers, particularly regarding the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Jennifer Pheasey, the HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, outlined the ongoing challenges its member businesses face in moving plants and plant products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, despite some improvements brought about by the Windsor Framework.

Speaking after the session, Jennifer Pheasey said:

"Whilst we welcomed the Windsor Framework as a stepping stone solution and recognise the significant effort involved in reaching a negotiated outcome, businesses still face significant challenges, with the burdens of paperwork and navigating the systems to trade – all adding time and costs.

“Resuming trade into Northern Ireland is of enormous importance to many HTA members, many of whom have seen an almost complete cessation of trade into Northern Ireland as Northern Irish businesses have found it difficult, if not impossible, to buy from their regular GB-based suppliers. These barriers are impacting both the industry and consumers.

“The HTA welcomes being a lead part of the Horticultural Working Group and continues to engage with government and policymakers to explore routes to ease trade routes within the current legal frameworks. Being invited to give evidence today is a positive sign that our concerns are being taken seriously."

During the session, Jennifer highlighted several key concerns, including the need for refinements to the Northern Ireland Plant Health Label (NIPHL) Scheme, improved communications and engagement, and the importance of establishing a UK-EU Plant Health /Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement to facilitate smoother trade.

The HTA has brought its members together to actively engage with government and policy-makers, including through its membership in the Northern Ireland Horticultural Working Group. It continues to push for practical solutions to support businesses as they navigate these ongoing trade challenges.

You can watch the full session via Parliament TV here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/ce104b97-3317-4e23-b22e-7645500925b7