UFU president Ivor Ferguson has said that that a "catastrophic" no-deal Brexit would cripple Northern Ireland's agri food industry and render its farmers uncompetitive.

"[A hard Brexit] means high tariffs on our exports, creating an effective trade embargo on [the] export of animals and animal-based products, and the possibility of lower standard imports flooding the UK market," he said.

29 March is fast approaching and no deal is the default outcome

Moving forward from the no confidence motion due to be voted on later today, Ferguson wants Ferguson the Government to move quickly to find an alternative to the withdrawal agreement rejected by the House of Commons on Tuesday.

"[The deadline of] 29 March is fast approaching and no deal is the default outcome," the UFU president said.

"We expect lots of activity in the next few days and securing cross party parliamentary consensus on an alternative plan now appears to be a possible way forward. Indications are that the majority of MPs want to avoid a no deal scenario. This is their opportunity to deliver.”

Government to intensify no-deal Brexit preparations

European Parliament pledges to safeguard Irish agriculture

We must keep our nerve on Brexit – Creed

Analysis: vote in UK parliament brings no-deal a step closer

Heavy defeat for UK government on Brexit vote

Hard Brexit would impose 'embargo' on NI livestock farmers – UFU

The Ulster Farmers Union has urged the British Government to offer an alternative after the rejection of the withdrawal agreement.