|
|
Brexit "bitter blow" for Donegal
farmers
27.06.16
A Donegal TD has said
it’s "extremely important" that Ireland’s agri-food
trading relationship with the UK is maintained in
the aftermath of Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
Fianna Fáil agricultural spokesman Charlie
McConalogue, whose family run a beef farm in
Gleneely, Inishowen, said long established trade
links with the UK had led to a large agri-food
export market accounting for over 40% of total
exports. |
“The result from
Thursday’s referendum is deeply worrying and will
present a major threat to farmers right across this
island. Recent figures from Teagasc estimate that a
Brexit could see a reduction in the value of Irish
agri-food exports of up to €800m a year.
“Beef farmers will be particularly affected as over
half of the total live cattle trade is to the UK.
The decrease in the value of Sterling against the
Euro this year has already resulted in a 50%
reduction of these exports to the UK.
"Further fluctuations and instability could further
weaken the market," he said. |
 |
|
Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
“The decision to leave
will come as a bitter blow to farmers. Most sectors,
and dairy in particular, are facing major market
volatility and an income crisis that is resulting in
produce being sold below the cost of production.
“It is vital that the Government works with our
European and UK colleagues to minimise any
disruption to existing agri-food trade in future EU
discussions so that Irish farming interests are
safeguarded," he said. |
|
