Although the U.K. has concluded a tariff-free agreement with the E.U. there are still barriers relating to health certification that will impose additional paperwork and costs on the import and export of agricultural products. Despite the fact that the U.K. meets the health and biosecurity requirements of the E.U., Export Health Certificates will be required for animal products.

It is estimated that 80 percent of U.K. food imports are derived from the E.U. and in coming weeks, there will be considerable confusion and border delays.  The fact that the agreement with the E.U. was only concluded in late December eliminated the 12-month period for negotiation and transition extending through 2020. Inaction, posturing and incompetence deprived both the E.U. and the U.K. time to adjust to Brexit. And then there was COVID.