• On mutual relations after Brexit
• On food safety standards

Today, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski received Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Poland Jonathan Knott.

The meeting was held in connection to the UK's exit from the European Union and its objective was to discuss the UK's future relations with the EU and Poland.

Both sides reassured each other of their will to maintain the best possible bilateral relations, emphasising the importance of political and economic partnership in the face of multiple challenges facing Europe.

The Ambassador declared that the United Kingdom was ready to make a concerted effort towards working out the details of a mutually beneficial FTA as soon as possible and, if necessary, to discuss the potential introduction of measures needed to facilitate the trade in agri-food products. He went on to assure that the food safety standards would not be affected and continue to match consumer expectations.

Minister Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski expressed interest in developing Polish-British cooperation on the impact of agriculture on climate and the environment, as well as new technologies for soil cultivation, hoping to strengthen contacts between both countries’ research and advisory institutes, resulting in joint projects and exchange of practical information and experience.

On 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom ceased to be a Member State of the European Union, 47 years after its accession to the EU. The current transition period will last until the end of 2020, with negotiations on establishing a new partnership between the UK and the EU commencing in March.

The United Kingdom is Poland’s second most important trade partner after Germany, and the leading export destination for Poland’s agri-food products. The trade in agri-food products between Poland and the UK has been continually increasing for several years.