A large horticulture business in the Harrogate district has said a Brexit ban on exporting soil has put the business “back 20 years” — and could cost it £500,000 a year.
Jonathan Whittemore, head of production and procurement at Johnsons of Whixley, told the Stray Ferret the family firm had been severely impacted by a European Union rule that bans the import of soil from non-EU countries.
The rule prevents pests and diseases from entering the EU.
The company exports to Northern Ireland, which is still in the EU’s plant health system because of Irish Sea border arrangements.
It means all plants and trees grown in UK soil cannot cross the sea, including popular species of tree such as birch, oak or beech.
Mr Whittemore said Brexit has had a big impact on the business, which employs 110 staff and celebrates its centenary this year:
“It’s a fallacy to think Brexit would lead to a decrease in red tape and bureaucracy. Anyone who suggests otherwise is naive. This has thrown our business back 20 years. It’s not progress, it’s regress”.
The company, which is based in Whixley, a village 11 miles from Harrogate, will attempt to sell some of the products earmarked for Northern Ireland to other parts of the UK. But Mr Whittemore fears much will go to waste.
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He said the business had been preparing for the impact of Brexit for two years to smooth the transition.
It predicts it may incur additional spending of £1.5 million on bureaucracy and red tape if it continues to operate as it does now.
Mr Whittemore said the company “has been left to flounder” by the government after falling foul of Northern Ireland import rules.
Staff have raised the issue with Nigel Adams, the Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty whose constituency includes Whixley, as well as Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.
Mr Whittemore added:
“Brexit is the gift that keeps on giving. Everyday we are finding new things that make things more expensive for our business.”
“We’ve gone from having guaranteed sales to having this kick in the teeth, but we’ll try and find a way through.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:
“We are working closely with the horticulture industry to ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities leaving the EU brings, and overall businesses are adjusting well to the new rules and continue to trade effectively.
“Alongside other measures, we have put in place the Movement Assistance Scheme to support and assist traders moving plants, plant products, and agrifood from GB to NI – meaning that businesses do not face new direct costs from certification requirements.”
