UK-Switzerland FTA to benefit British veg exporters

British pea, broad bean and carrot exporters are set to benefit from a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Switzerland with tariff-free access into one of the EU’s most protected markets.

Fresh produce is among the food and drink gaining improved seasonal access to the Swiss market, with tariffs falling to zero per cent on a wide range of fruit and veg.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products, including Ayrshire New Potatoes, will also see recognition and better access under the deal.

Switzerland is already a £195 million market for British food and drink, according to Defra, with the new deal expected to increase this figure.

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: “For the first time ever, UK lamb will enter Switzerland tariff-free. Beef, dairy and English sparkling wine will all benefit from lower tariffs too.”

English sparkling wine producers will receive a 34 per cent tariff reduction, Switzerland’s best preferential treatment on sparkling wine.

The deal, which also benefits British exports of lamb, beef and cheese, protects domestic producers by offering no new access on pork, poultry and eggs.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw the FTA is a “great example of a balanced deal”.

“We appreciate the government’s efforts to secure competitive access to the Swiss market for UK farmers – something the NFU has called for since the very start of these negotiations,” he said.

Subject to Swiss processes, the FTA will allow the UK government to protect a further 28 UK Geographical Indications (GIs) in Switzerland, including Ayrshire New Potatoes.

This is in addition to the 66 GIs currently protected under the existing UK-Switzerland Agriculture Agreement and is a step towards securing the full register of UK GIs in the Swiss market.

The agreement also includes a new SPS chapter to help ease trade further, including faster information sharing and reducing red tape at the border.