Analysis of the impact on UK crop production of GB aligning with EU on PPPs

Analysis of the impact on UK crop production of GB aligning with EU rules and decisions on Plant Protection Products | CropLife UK
A new report by The Andersons Centre, commissioned by CropLife UK, has revealed that immediate retrospective alignment of the British Plant Protection Product (PPP) regulatory regime with the European Union could reduce Total Income from Farming by between £500 million to £810 million per year. 

The report examines the impact of aligning UK Plant Protection Product (PPP) rules with existing EU decisions under a proposed UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which the Government has indicated could take effect from June 2027. 

Using a worst-case “cliff-edge” alignment scenario, the analysis shows that the loss of key crop protection tools, including several newer active substances currently approved in Great Britain, would reduce yields, alter cropping patterns and increase production costs. Indicative impacts include wheat production falling by 9–16%, potatoes by 4–6% and apples by 3–7%. 

CropLife UK Chief Executive Dave Bench commented: 

“Since leaving the EU, the GB regulatory regime has delivered innovative new chemistry faster than the EU, benefitting GB growers.  But these benefits could be thrown away if the Government does not negotiate a good SPS deal.. 

“As our report highlights, the impact of a ‘cliff-edge scenario’ on British growers could be devastating.  At a time of increasing pressure on farm profitability, this could prove a tipping point for many farmers and growers.  While we welcome the Government’s commitment to reducing the price of food for consumers, it is difficult to see how reducing domestic crop yields could help achieve that aim.” 

The Common Understanding Agreement, agreed in May 2025, does not specify how existing regulatory divergence should be managed. The report distinguishes this issue as “cliff-edge alignment”, separate from future regulatory changes under “dynamic alignment”. 

 CropLife UK Head of External Affairs Josh Woolliscroft added: 

“We recognise that this is a flagship trade policy for the Government and a key priority to see it delivered. However, we urge policymakers to take account of this independent analysis and the industry’s consistent feedback. This is simply too important a decision to rush. The report highlights ways in which this deal could be delivered in a way that avoids harming British growers and British consumers.” 

Analysis of the impact on UK crop production of GB aligning with EU rules and decisions on Plant Protection Products | CropLife UK

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