Temporary no-deal Brexit raises prospect of further volatility, farmers say
New markets take tens of tonnes of beef, but Britain in 2019 took 260,000 tonnes – ICSA
Tue, Dec 15, 2020, 22:33
Updated: Tue, Dec 15, 2020, 22:35
The prospect of a temporary no-deal Brexit in which a potential agreement cannot be ratified before January 1st raises the prospect of further volatility, according to farmers’ organisations.
Farmers have also rejected the prospect of flying cattle and sheep to markets in Europe, citing the expense and that such a move would “leave farmers with nothing, or a bill”.
Eddie Punch, general secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), told the Oireachtas committee on agriculture that even if a Brexit deal was brought “across the line” it might be too late at this stage to have it in place for January, leading to a temporary period of World Trade Organisation rules.