Logistics is facing major challenges in keeping the ‘just in time ’food chain moving as well as coping with the increased disruption to staffing levels. Availability of cold storage is coming under significant pressure in certain areas as some of our member companies seek to store/freeze stocks of certain supplies. This is also leading to additional pressure on associated parts of our supply chain such as rendering and disposal of byproducts.
The COVID 19 crisis presents similar challenges to a no deal Brexit scenario for poultry meat businesses that run just in time supply chains. Border delays resulting from heightened screening and staff shortages may lead to food supply disruption.
Businesses are encountering ongoing delays at borders, which is disrupting the delivery of goods and our integrated supply chains. While we face an extraordinary trading environment at present, looking beyond the current situation procedures at border crossings should be minimised and streamlined to what is strictly necessary.
Trade in poultry meat and poultry breeding stock must be maintained and facilitated. Continued operation of the air freight sector a s well as the use of technology such as e certification for trade will play a crucial role in keeping food moving both into and out of the country.
Our supply chain relies on a number of key inputs including feed for birds as well as some of the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for healthy growth that are sourced from around the world, of which a significant proportion comes from China. Shortages of feed as a whole, and specific nutritional elements, have created additional pressure on our supply chain and resulted in extra business costs that our members have had to absorb.
British farmers have worked incredibly hard to build a food system that enhances British food values and ensures high standards of production from farm to fork. It is vital that any future trade deals ensures only food that meets our high British standards can enter the British market.
