Three-quarters of ASA members are concerned about the long-term negative affects anti-agriculture consumer movements may have on farming and the food industry.

Ahead of the annual Agricultural Science Association (ASA) conference, members were surveyed about their views on a number of challenges in the agri-food industry.

Threats

The conference, titled "From Trade Wars to Consumer Trust: The Challenge for Agri-Food", takes place today (7 September) in the Killashee Hotel in Kildare.

Regrettably, the possibility of a chaotic, no-deal Brexit appears to be increasing

The annual survey identified Brexit and sustainability as the industry's two biggest threats.

Commenting on the findings relating to Brexit, Michael Wallace, professor of Agriculture and Food Economics in UCD said: “Regrettably, the possibility of a chaotic, no-deal Brexit appears to be increasing.

“This would be devastating for our vital agri-food trade with the UK due to the prospect of tariffs and extra costs associated with border checks and customs procedures.”

Thirty seven per cent of respondents identified Brexit as the biggest challenge while 36% identified meeting sustainability targets.

While the number concerned about Brexit remained the same as the previous year, those concerned by sustainability targets increased by 11%.

CAP

CAP was also considered as part of the survey, with 46% of respondents saying it was not fit for purpose and a further 31% unsure. On specific aspects of the CAP 2020 proposals, 70% believed greater decision-making power by individual member states was a positive and 72% agreed on the inclusion of risk management tools.

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