An inquiry into the impact of Brexit on the price and availability of food for UK consumers has been launched by The House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee.

This decision follows a roundtable discussion with industry experts who expressed great concerns on this issue.

30% of food consumed in the UK comes from the EU, including 83% of its fresh vegetables and 40% of its fresh fruit. During the session, concerns were raised about the impact that post-Brexit trade tariffs would have on food prices, that the additional customs and borders checks could result in food being held up in ports, and that a desire to avoid food price rises could lead to the UK importing food of a lower standard.

During the session, Ian Wright CBE, director of the Food and Drink Federation, said: “The answer to the exam question ‘could Brexit have an impact on the availability and/ or the price of food in the UK’ is yes. And indeed it is not just yes. It will; that is what is going to happen.”

Andrew Opie, the director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, explained why it was so important to resolve the industries concerns about the potential impact of Brexit: “The first people to be hit by the consequences of Brexit will be food shoppers.”

Speaking on the launch of the inquiry chairman of the Committee, Lords Teverson said:

“There were lots of strong views from our witnesses and a real feeling amongst them that prices are going to rise post-Brexit if we don’t get a trade deal agreed. There were also questions as to whether the UK will be able to maintain the food standards and quality that consumers want, and if we can actually get the food through the ports will all the new customs facilities which will be in place. With so many unanswered questions, the Committee have decided to examine this matter because it is vital to the UK’s future.”