Amsterdam is home to the biggest flower market in the world, the Aalsmeer flower auction. Many of the flower merchants are highly reliant on exports to the U.K.: More than 13 percent of flowers and plants exported from the Netherlands went to Britain in 2016. For processed fruit and vegetables, the figure is 15 percent.
The effect of a no-deal would be particularly dire for firms dealing in these types of agricultural products. As highly perishable goods, they cannot be stockpiled or bought in advance and will spoil if delayed by queues for customs or inspections.
The current system relies on the lack of checks and customs provided for by the EU single market and customs union. Dutch trucks can drive directly onto ferries in Rotterdam port in the evening, cross the sea overnight, and deliver their goods to British supermarkets the following morning.
A no deal would destroy this system: Trade would be subject to customs clearance, health inspections, and World Trade Organization tariffs. For flowers, these run between 4 percent and 12 percent, according to the British Florist Association. Even if a deal is agreed, Rotterdam port advises that there will still be substantial additional red tape.
“We are preparing for a no-deal Brexit, hiring all kinds of people for that. It's not just a paper exercise or a few civil servants doing their job,” said Omtzigt, the rapporteur.
“They actually have to employ people right now. Companies are moving. Perhaps that’s a wake-up call."