Companies in the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland are to be consulted on the issues the sector faces from Brexit and its priorities as the UK withdraws from the EU.

Lobby organisation the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) is holding a series of meetings with its members next week to carry out a consultation on issues surrounding Brexit.

NIFDA executive director Michael Bell said the feedback from the consultation will be used in a report to be published at the organisation’s annual conference in September.

Significant impact

“There can be no doubt that Brexit will have a significant impact on our agri-food sector, and we are keen to hear the views of our members and the wider industry on what they see as the priorities moving forward,” he said.

NIFDA’s membership stems from companies in the agri-food sector in NI covering feed compounders, meat and dairy processors and food and drink manufacturers. NIFDA members currently employ 21,660 people across NI.

The meetings are being hosted by NIFDA chair Declan Billington and will be breakfast events taking place on 23 August at Loughry Innovation Centre, Cookstown; 25 August at Seagoe Hotel, Craigavon; and 9 September at Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast.

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