George Eustice will face questioning next week from MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee over the problems faced by exporters since the end of the Brexit transition period.
Meat companies have faced serious delays due to new paperwork requirements, with some consignments refused entry to the EU and subsequently destroyed.
The EFRA committee is conducting an inquiry into Seafood and Meat Exports to the EU.
In the session on 25 March, MPs will review the problems exporters faced following the end of the transition period, and probe how Defra helped businesses to prepare. It will explore possible actions that the Government might take to address the issues exporters now face, particularly the requirement for health certificates.
The Committee will also consider the Government’s recent decision to defer the introduction of certification and checks at the border of EU imports of seafood and meat for a further six months, including the implications for food safety risks and competitiveness.
The Secretary of State George Eustice will appear at 2.30pm.