An EU agricultural cooperative has spoke of "serious concerns" about the potential impact on farmers and agri-businesses on both sides as a result of Brexit.
Copa and Cogeca have welcomed draft EU guidelines on the future EU-UK trade relationship, and has now called on heads of state and governments to approve the guidelines when they meet next week.
However, in a letter sent to Chief EU Negotiator Michel Barnier, Copa and Cogeca said there are "serious concerns" as trade is "very integrated" between the UK and the EU.
Copa President Joachim Rukwied said: “It is important to minimise any disruption to trade. The European farmers and agri-cooperatives strongly believe that, depending on the guarantees obtained, the UK should remain in the Single Market and Customs Union.
“If this is not possible, the EU and UK should find a new customs arrangement that enables frictionless trade as much as possible, whilst preserving the integrity of the Single Market.”
Mr Rukwied said the Brexit negotiations must provide tariff-free trade between the EU and UK.
He continued: “We also call for the EU to seek the closest possible customs relationship with the UK and want simplified customs procedures, making use of latest technologies in order to prevent burdensome and costly bureaucracy which would threaten cross-border trade.
“This must be included in the EU’s upcoming guidelines and made a priority in the negotiations”, Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson added.
Copa and Cogeca agree with the EU’s call on the UK government for "clear and tangible proposals" for the transitional and the future relationship.
The co-operative said: “Time is running out for businesses to make the necessary adjustments. An agreement must be reached as soon as possible in order to eliminate uncertainty and additional costs on farmers and agri-cooperatives.”
