Macra news: ‘Brexit: Young farmers have the most to lose’
At a meeting of the Macra na Feirme agricultural affairs committee, young farmers expressed their concerns about the implications of Britain’s exit from the EU on the future viability of their businesses.
Speaking after the meeting of Mr Finan said: “The collapse of the value of sterling is concerning. Young farmers are adamant that processors cannot be allowed to take advantage of the situation.”
Speaking about a potential special trade agreement between the UK and Ireland, he added: “The protection of Irish agriculture sectors requires a bilateral trade agreement with the UK with none or minimal tariffs — that must be a top priority of the Irish Government in any future negotiations.
“As young farmers we have the most to lose from Brexit as we are establishing our careers in the sector and are more vulnerable to short-term uncertainty because we don’t have the means to shield us from this volatility.”
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has acknowledged that Britain’s exit from the EU “has the potential to give rise to significant challenges for the Irish agri-food sector”.
He said he “keenly aware of the concerns of those working in the sector about the UK exit decision”.
He added: “The UK is by far our largest trading partner in the agri-food sector.
“Ireland is also the UK’s largest destination for its food exports. Given these linkages, and as the UK is a net food importer, both countries have a strong interest in maintaining a close agri-food trading relationship.
“Safeguarding the interests of the Irish agri-food sector will be central in informing the Government’s overall approach to all negotiations pertaining to the UK’s exit from the EU.”
Mr Finan added: “I would hope that the Government will do all they can to protect young farmer interests as we get a better idea of what the Brexit will actually mean.”
The minister said: “As part of our overall contingency planning, I have established a dedicated unit in my department to work on these issues and I will convene a consultative committee of stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information as the negotiations proceed.
“I have also asked Bord Bia to provide practical guidance to SMEs to assist them in dealing with marketing challenges arising in the short term.
