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On August 8th 2024, the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) released a statement detailing how the Border Target Operating Model, established in April 2024, is causing delay for trial imports on a large pool of crops.

"Breeders face no shortage of difficulties when importing or exporting seed, whether that’s for research or cropping purposes. However, new rules which came into effect during April are now causing the uncertainty and delays which the BSPB and our members have feared. the latest to be affected are crucial imports of oilseed rape seed for the imminent official trials of new varieties.

The changes at the border also affect other arable and horticultural crops including beans, maize, linseed, peppers, and tomatoes."

Premium Crops fully endorse BSPB’s campaign to overcome the delays and uncertainty, for imports of both oilseed rape and linseed planting seed, that have been created by the new Border Target Operating Model 

Read the full statement here.

The Guardian has covered the damage to pepper and tomato production.

"Trade bodies representing UK tomato and pepper growers said new rules for seed imports from the EU were causing delays of up to six weeks for deliveries, disrupting their growing schedules and finances."

Read the article here.

BBC Radio 4's Farming Today spoke to the BSPB's Head of Policy Anthony Hopkins, which you can listen to below.

 Click here to see a newly created resource from the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) showcasing the role of the supply industry within agriculture.