Brexit plan essential to protect €5bn food exports

The decision of the UK to leave the European Union will have serious implications for all sectors of the Irish economy including the agri-food sector.

The minister for agriculture, food and marine along with his relevant cabinet colleagues needs to put a clear plan in place to address the many issues that are likely to arise when the Brexit is finally negotiated with the EU.

That imperative now becomes the context into which all our planning and projects must fit. Having met the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine last week and having had minister Michael Creed to a national council meeting held in Dublin as recently as last Thursday (for which, much appreciation) ICMSA is satisfied that the department has identified all the issues from farm to processor to trading level that are likely to arise from a Brexit.