In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK breed societies and pedigree certificates would not be recognised by the EU.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has stated: “UK-recognised breed societies and operations involved in the trade and movement of purebred livestock and germinal products would no longer be recognised societies or operations in the EU.”

This has potential repercussions for Irish farmers using English breed societies to register stock.

The Aberdeen Angus Society, Dexter Society and Suffolk Sheep Society all register pedigree stock through their parent UK societies.

Semen and embryo imports from the UK could face difficulties as they would also not be entitled to automatic recognition by EU member states.

Certificates

New standardised zootechnical breeding certificates were introduced across the Europen Union in November and DEFRA has outlined that it intends to maintain EU standards, which would allow UK societies to enter a list of breeding bodies from third countries and have these recognised by EU member states.

DEFRA said it is contacting breed societies shortly to discuss their options.