The Brexit roadshow moves back to Brussels this week with an expectation at the EU end that UK negotiators will provide more details to the sentiments expressed in the UK Prime Ministers speech in Florence on Friday.

Irish farmers and the food industry will be watching for indications that enough common ground can be achieved to enable the two year extension suggested by Theresa May become a reality.

EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier was quick to point out in his response that any continuation would mean the UK accepting the status quo on trade discussions and free movement of people.

Mercosur

The other big issue in Brussels this week is the ongoing preparation for the next round of Mercosur negotiations which will be held in Brazil next week.

Despite widespread resistance, there was more reports of a beef quota offer being prepared by the EU at the weekend in the Brussels trade publication, Agra Facts.

Ireland and several other EU countries are resisting this and EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan pointed out at the ploughing that the Cumulative Impact Assessment and the Brexit vote had to be taken into account in any beef offer.

The Irish Farmers Journal will be reporting from Brussels this week on these and other issues that will impact on Irish farmers and the wider food industry.

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