The ICMSA president, John Comer, has raised concerns that farmers will bear the brunt of the uncertainty of Brexit.
“There is a level of concern and frustration growing that there is meeting after meeting in relation to Brexit, but no definite actions have been put in place to counteract the threats of Brexit.
“In this regard, the reality is that primary producers at the end of the supply chain will bear the brunt of any impact, and we made a number of proposals to the minister in the context of Budget 2018 to provide real supports and protections to primary producers in advance of Brexit.
“Such measures are required immediately, so that farm businesses can plan and put in place contingency funding to counter the Brexit threat, and we also need to see supports at processing level so that decisions can be taken to lessen the impact of Brexit,” he said.
“Damaging trade deal”
Comer was also critical of the Mercosur trade deal, which he believes should be terminated.
“In addition, the sudden drive by the EU to conclude trade deals in the context of WTO and Mercosur is a major concern heightened by Brexit, and Ireland must stand up along with like-minded member states and call a halt to these potentially hugely damaging trade deals.
“Mercosur has the potential to do huge damage to our beef sector and this cannot be allowed to happen,” he concluded.
John Comer’s reign as president for the ICMSA ends at the end of this year, having spent six years in charge of the organisation.
Read More
Watch: CAP consultation in numbers
’Boosting farm income and viability’ through fairer food chain – EU report
The ICMSA president, John Comer, has raised concerns that farmers will bear the brunt of the uncertainty of Brexit.
“There is a level of concern and frustration growing that there is meeting after meeting in relation to Brexit, but no definite actions have been put in place to counteract the threats of Brexit.
“In this regard, the reality is that primary producers at the end of the supply chain will bear the brunt of any impact, and we made a number of proposals to the minister in the context of Budget 2018 to provide real supports and protections to primary producers in advance of Brexit.
“Such measures are required immediately, so that farm businesses can plan and put in place contingency funding to counter the Brexit threat, and we also need to see supports at processing level so that decisions can be taken to lessen the impact of Brexit,” he said.
“Damaging trade deal”
Comer was also critical of the Mercosur trade deal, which he believes should be terminated.
“In addition, the sudden drive by the EU to conclude trade deals in the context of WTO and Mercosur is a major concern heightened by Brexit, and Ireland must stand up along with like-minded member states and call a halt to these potentially hugely damaging trade deals.
“Mercosur has the potential to do huge damage to our beef sector and this cannot be allowed to happen,” he concluded.
John Comer’s reign as president for the ICMSA ends at the end of this year, having spent six years in charge of the organisation.
Read More
Watch: CAP consultation in numbers
’Boosting farm income and viability’ through fairer food chain – EU report
SHARING OPTIONS