Ahead of the EU heads of state summit in Brussels on Saturday, Healy told An Taoseach that agricuture must be forefront of the EU leaders' thoughts throughout the two-year negotiation period.

After holding talks with An Taoiseach, Healy said that An Taoiseach was very aware of the importance of the agri trade issues for Ireland.

"There is a real sense of history here in Brussels this morning as the 27 countries that will remain in the EU meet to discuss Brexit. In many ways it is a sad day for the EU but we need to maintain the closest possible trading relationship with the UK and a fully funded CAP,” he said.

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The IFA president also met with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

The association met with Barner earlier in April where Joe Healy said he was "encouraged" by Barnier's level of understand on the situation of Irish agriculture.

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