To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what support is being given to small businesse,s including health stores, who have to register as an organic importer with an annual certification cost of £1,000 to enable them to continue trading with suppliers in Great Britain.

I am aware of additional requirements being placed on local businesses in relation to the import of organic products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. I oppose these restrictions within the internal UK market, especially if the product is retained for use within the UK. These restrictions cause economic harm to NI Business.

In relation to support, my officials have been working closely with their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which is UK Competent Authority for Organics, with the aim of alleviating the difficulties that are arising from the additional checks and administration.

Defra offered the Trader Assistance Scheme, which was open to applications up to 31 December 2020. The Scheme ensures that traders don’t pay tariffs on the movement of goods into NI from GB.

Defra’s Movement Assistance Scheme currently offers support to businesses in relation to plant and animal health certificates. However, Defra’s Organics NI Competent Authority team is actively looking into whether the scheme can also support businesses in relation to the costs associated with organic Certificates of Inspection.

My Department will consider, in conjunction with Defra and other Ministerial colleagues, if other support or mitigation can be introduced.

I will also be writing to UK Ministers Michael Gove and George Eustice to raise these issues with organic products and seek a timely, pragmatic resolution.