UK-wide review of pig supply chain launched

The Government has recently launched a review of the pig sector to increase fairness and transparency in the industry.

The consultation follows recent challenges experienced by the sector due to global pressures including rising costs and labour shortages, which have raised questions about the functioning of the supply chain. It seeks views on issues such as transparency, price reporting, clarity of contractual terms and conditions, and market consolidation.

It will run until 7 October 2022 and invites views from pig farmers, abattoirs, processors, retailers, marketing groups and all stakeholders involved in the pig supply chain across the whole country.

Border Operating Model

The Government has updated the Border Operating Model to reflect the latest announcement on border controls. It also provides some additional detail on further facilitations for safety and security declarations and inland border facilities (IBF). 

Sustainable Farming Incentive opens for applications

On 30 June, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opened for applications in England. The scheme is available to all farmers who currently receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments, is designed to be accessible, and will reward sustainable practices which support food production and benefit the environment. The SFI is the first of three new environmental land management schemes being introduced under the Agricultural Transition Plan. The schemes will ensure long-term food security by investing in the foundations of food production: healthy soil, water, and biodiverse ecosystems.  

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT): Stakeholder Toolkit

HMRC have updated the PPT communications package. This guidance is for businesses who manufacture or modify plastic packaging in the UK and/or import plastic packaging into the UK, including goods already in plastic packaging. The update includes:

• Updated FAQ around returns and credits (the new FAQs are highlighted). 
• A link to watch the recordings of PPT webinar sessions. The ‘Introduction to Plastic Packaging Tax’ webinar includes new content setting out the returns and credits process.

‘Bonfire of the barriers’ to unlock new export markets worth tens of billions

The International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announced the UK is launching a new drive to demolish bureaucratic barriers to international trade, opening up markets worth tens of billions for businesses across the UK. She has drawn up a hit list of around 100 priority issues around the world currently blocking British trade, which are being targeted for resolution by teams of specialists in her department. Read the full speech here. 

Inaugural report on UK food standards cautions of challenges ahead

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have launched Our Food: An annual review of food standards across the UK, an in-depth review of our food standards.

Commonwealth trade initiatives announced

The Government has announced a package of trade initiatives to help create jobs and growth across the Commonwealth. The initiatives include Platinum Partnerships that will increase UK trade with key Commonwealth countries and the creation of five virtual Centres of Expertise. The Government also confirmed that the Generalised Scheme of Preferences will be replaced by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. The new scheme will reduce import tariffs on food, clothing and other items from 18 Commonwealth countries and help reduce prices for UK consumers. Click here to read more.

The Small Business Sustainability Basics Programme

Small Business Britain are hosting a series of webinars over 6 weeks to give small businesses the basics they need to supercharge their sustainability planning, reduce their impact on the planet, and turn their sustainability plans into fantastic commercial advantage. Register here for the following modules:

• Sustainability is Good for Business: 6 September 11:00
• Starting at the Beginning: Energy and Transport: 13 September 11:00
• Where You Are & What You Do: 20 September 11:00
• A Team Effort: Working With & Adapting Your Supply Chain: 27 September 11:00
• Offsetting: The Good, The Bad & Making a Plan; 4 October 11:00
• Sustainability for You: 11 October 11:00