UK/EU deal on Brexit is best option

THE best Brexit outcome for Irish agriculture will be either the UK remaining a full member of the EU Single Market or in having a comprehensive free trade with the EU, Galway farmers heard last week in Loughrea.

IFA Chief Economist, Rowena Dwyer, told a meeting of farmers in the Lough Rea Hotel that a positive trading relationship between the UK and the EU after Brexit would be a key point for Ireland.

However, she pointed out that the whole UK Brexit issue was very politically sensitive in Europe with other member states not wishing to see Britain benefiting from their exit move.

“We obviously want the cross-border element of our trading relationship with the North continue and what we really don’t want are trade barriers between ourselves and the UK,” said Rowena Dwyer.

She also pointed out that the UK will still be part of the EU for the next two years at a minimum with the full and open market access remaining during that time.

Ms. Dwyer also said that while Ireland is not nearly as dependent on export to the UK at present than it was back in 1973, Britain was still ‘a hugely important trading partner.

She said that beef exports to the UK were worth €1.1 billion (50% of the total); dairy exports came to €1bn (33% of total); pigmeat, €350m and mushrooms, €350m (sole export market).

Rowena Dwyer outlined some of the key issues in relation to Brexit that would have to be addressed:

■  At present, there is no provision for the negotiation of a special Ireland/UK trading relationship.

■ Imposition of barriers [between UK and Ireland] such as tariffs, border checks and added certification would undermine our export competitiveness.

■  UK trade deals with ‘third countries’ could displace Irish product on UK market – this won’t happen until Britain leaves EU.

■   If no trade agreement between EU and UK is reached, Britain could opt to reduce tariff barriers for agricultural imports from exporting countries.