Minister Creed will meet his British counterpart Michael Gove to discuss the impact of Brexit on the agri food and fisheries sector. He will also hold one-to-one talks with the chief executives of major buyers of Irish food and drink in the UK and take part in several industry meetings.

Poem and parade

The visit includes cultural and social activities, including the minister recording an Irish poem to be played on the London Underground and leading the St Patrick's Day parade in the British capital, but he has insisted on the agri food trade aspect of his trip.

"This year, in the context of an impending Brexit, my itinerary takes on an important added dimension. My political meetings and trade promotion events will be marked by the Government’s firm intention to secure and strengthen our market in the UK for Irish agri food products,” Minister Creed said.

He will also attend the Cheltenham racing festival and the Ireland-England rugby match.

Government should prepare for Brexit agri-food 'trade shock' – OECD

Creed in UK for trade mission-like St Patrick's Day visit

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed will be in London for the rest of this week, with multiple agri-food trade and Brexit meetings on the agenda.