IFA says 10,000 jobs under threat due to sterling value

The Irish Farmers Association is warning that over 10,000 jobs in the agri-food sector are at risk due to the fall in the value of sterling.

The IFA says the British government's decision to depreciate its currency will result in a €1.1bn fall in Irish exports to the UK this year.

The association also claims food production here is under threat from cheaper British imports into Ireland.

IFA President Padraig Walshe said the European market is no longer a level playing field.

"They're part of the EU, part of a single market, yet they're gaining huge advantage in that single market by their exports being more competitive and imports into their economy being put at a disadvantage" Mr Walshe said.

"Vegetables and grain and several other commodities are coming into this country now with a huge advantage from the UK market, and it's putting production in this economy at risk," he added.