Some 36% of farmers said Brexit is the biggest threat to the operation of their business.

The next biggest challenge for farmers is the price they receive for their produce, with 29% of those surveyed saying this is the biggest threat at the minute.

After this comes climate change and the weather, with 13% singling these out as the biggest threat.

It is just over a year since the UK decided to leave the EU in March 2019. It is clear Irish farmers are acutely aware of the impact Brexit could have for the Irish agri-food sector.

Should no trade deal be reached between the EU and the UK, food entering the UK from Europe would be subject to high tariffs.

Sectors hit

Ireland exports approximately 250,000t of beef to the UK annually. This would be subject to a tariff of 80% should no trade deal be put in place.

Similarly, the dairy and mushroom sectors are exposed.

We export some €1.5bn worth of dairy produce to the UK while 80% of all mushrooms produced end up with our near neighbour.

It is also clear from the poll that farmers are becoming more aware of the impact global events such as Brexit are having on farms as opposed to the price in the local mart or the local dairy co-op.

Most Irish farmers do not want to follow the UK out of the EU.

Of those surveyed, 87% said they want to stay, with just 13% saying Ireland should leave.

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Full coverage of our Red C poll of 1,000 farmers