The United Kingdom and France have reaffirmed their joint commitment to food security, agricultural resilience and closer cooperation in agri-food trade following a bilateral meeting in Paris between senior government officials.
The discussions brought together the UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, and the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, who addressed key challenges affecting the sector, including geopolitical instability, climate pressures and ongoing disruptions in global supply chains.
Fertiliser prices on the rise
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), both ministers stressed the importance of maintaining strong domestic agricultural production as a cornerstone for ensuring access to safe, affordable and sustainable food.
In a context of increasing uncertainty, food security was framed as a critical component not only of national policy but also of broader European stability. The two sides also reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining high standards in animal and plant health, alongside robust biosecurity frameworks and sustainable farming practices.
Trade facilitation and regulatory alignment
A key focus of the meeting was the need to advance technical cooperation on market access and to ensure that trade measures remain grounded in internationally recognised standards, particularly those set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), as well as existing EU regulatory frameworks.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of balancing trade facilitation with the protection of domestic livestock and agricultural systems, highlighting ongoing efforts to resolve specific barriers affecting bilateral exchanges.
Progress on UK–EU SPS agreement
The ministers also reviewed developments related to a potential UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, building on the common understanding reached between both sides in May 2025.
RELATED NEWS: 78% of consumers prioritise action against food waste
Such an agreement is expected to streamline trade flows, reduce administrative burdens and provide greater certainty for producers, exporters and retailers operating across the Channel, while preserving high sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
There was a shared recognition of the need to accelerate negotiations and to resolve outstanding market access issues in a timely manner.
International coordination and future outlook
Looking ahead, the UK and France committed to strengthening coordination in international forums, particularly in light of France’s current G7 Presidency and the UK’s upcoming leadership roles within the G20 and G7.
Both ministers expressed their intention to deepen bilateral cooperation in agricultural and food policy in the coming months, with a focus on supporting farmers, rural communities and consumers, while reinforcing the resilience of food systems in an increasingly complex global environment.
Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
