No-deal tariff rates proposed by the UK government have been labelled as a “disastrous scenario for Irish farmers” by president of the IFA Joe Healy.

“We export over 50% of our beef to the UK. If this is subject to tariffs, it will be a ‘direct hit’ of almost €800m on the sector,” Healy said.

He added that if the UK decide to apply zero tariffs on food imports from all countries that that would expose the Irish food to competition from countries with much lower food standards

Farm backlash to no-deal

Following the UK Prime Minister’s defeat in the House of Commons on her Brexit deal last night, the UKs four farming unions have urged MPs to take whatever means possible to avoid a no-deal scenario.

“This continued uncertainty is having real world consequences on farming businesses – and wider British industry – already,” a joint statement from the unions said.

“It is time for MPs to consider the concessions they will need to accommodate to support a deal that finally brings to an end the enormous and damaging uncertainty that is already undermining our food and farming sectors.”

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