Exports of whole milk across the Irish border from north to south totalled 786,000 tonnes in 2019, which is the equivalent of approximately 34% of NI milk production, data published by UK dairy analysts AHDB shows.

With UK whole milk exports valued at £300/t, it puts the value of NI whole milk moving south of the border at £235m.

Last year, the UK recorded its first ever trade surplus for dairy products, meaning it exported more than it imported

According to AHDB, the movement of NI milk to the Republic of Ireland accounts for 98% of the UK’s total whole milk exports.

In total, around 132,000t moved in the opposite direction, accounting for 79% of the UK’s whole milk imports.

Last year, the UK recorded its first ever trade surplus for dairy products, meaning it exported more than it imported.

However, the value of dairy products exported in 2019 was less than imports, meaning there was a trade deficit of £1.1bn.

Coronavirus hits agri-food calendar

Across the NI agri-food industry most upcoming events have been cancelled in recent days, leaving just some mart sales operational.

One event not cancelled is the 2020 Balmoral Show, with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) rescheduling it for Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 of August.

However, the 2020 Royal Highland Show scheduled for 18 to 21 June has been cancelled, as has Open Farm Weekend. The UFU has also suspended all internal meetings and CAFRE has postponed all Business Development Group activities.

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