Garden centres and nurseries across the UK are stockpiling plants ahead of Brexit checks being implemented later in April, as concerns grow over whether new border posts will be ready to handle the volume of deliveries.
The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) said many of its members had been ordering more plants during recent weeks, to raise stocks before the checks begin on 30 April, according to The Guardian.
A survey of 50 HTA members, including garden centres and nurseries, found 41% were planning to bring deliveries forward due to the checks.
Suppliers across Europe have said they will hold back some orders for up to three weeks following the checks due to concerns some border control posts (BCPs) could become overwhelmed.
The government is set to bring in physical checks for many animal and plant products arriving to Britain from the EU on 30 April under its new border target operating model, set to be carried out at BCP facilities in areas including Killingholme, Harwich and Sevington.
Plant sellers and growers have repeatedly flagged that the checks could result in delays and cause some plants to be damaged or destroyed.
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The HTA’s technical policy manager Sally Cullimore said there were widespread concerns over whether the BCPs were fit for purpose, particurlarly in relation to the loading and unloading of certain items.
She also pointed out: “These are our peak trading weeks in horticulture, particularly in garden retail. That’s not a good situation to be in, but there’s just no faith in the system.”
The government has claimed the BCPs would be ready and that the checks were crucial for for Britain’s biodiversity and to prevent diseases being imported which could negatively affect the country’s plant life.
Last year, former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King blamed Brexit as grocers rationed fruit and veg. The ex-supermarket boss said Brexit was “horribly hurting” UK supermarkets following supply shortages.
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