Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has called on agri-food businesses to make sure that they know exactly what they will need to do in a no-deal Brexit scenario and make the necessary preparations now.

He appealed to agri-food businesses, traders and hauliers of agricultural commodities on Thursday morning to act immediately to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to prepare for such a scenario.

“Ireland does not want a no-deal Brexit. The Government and the EU believe that the best way forward is for the UK to ratify the withdrawal agreement, including the backstop provision.

“Ireland, the EU and the UK have stated that they don’t want a hard border on the island of Ireland.”

Earlier this week, the minister visited Dublin Port to inspect the purpose-built infrastructural projects which will allow officials in his department and other Government departments and agencies conduct the necessary regulatory controls post-Brexit.

Ireland does not want a no-deal Brexit

“I want to acknowledge the work by all parties involved in the significant upgrade and expansion of these facilities which will now be used for existing third country trade, ensuring that these facilities are operating optimally in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”

Revenue

As part of the Government preparations for a no-deal Brexit on 31 October 2019, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has intensified its engagement with businesses who trade with the UK and is issuing letters to traders on a phased basis outlining the most critical Brexit preparation steps including the necessity to register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number and the need to register with the Department if they move animals, plants or animal and plant products to or from the UK.

The minister said: “If you are a business that moves animals, plants or animal and plant products to or from the UK and has received one of these letters, please engage with my Department so that we can help ensure you are familiar with the requirements for importing or exporting such commodities from/to the UK.

“Make sure you are registered with Revenue and my department, make sure you know what documents and certificates you have to submit, to whom you have to submit them and what are the time limits for submission.

“Decide who is going to be responsible for the submission of documents and certificates – you or a customs agent.”

All goods traders who use wood pallets or wood packaging for the movement of goods to or from the UK should ensure that their wood packaging meets the ISPM 15 standard and is clearly stamped as meeting that standard, the Department has advised.

Agricultural shows

The minister said his Department will have a presence at some agricultural shows to keep people informed on no-deal Brexit preparations including the Tullamore National Livestock Show, the Virginia Agricultural Show as well as the National Ploughing Championships.

“We will also be holding a number of agriculture-focused events in September where we will engage directly with individuals/businesses in the sector. These will also be held around the country, and details will be available on my department’s website in the coming weeks.

“There is no hiding from the fact that a no-deal Brexit will be a challenge and will impact on trade. Hoping that it won’t happen is not a sound strategy and will not make it go away. It is far better to prepare now and to do everything that you can to make sure that you’re ready. Check your supply chain. Review your regulatory obligations. Engage with your suppliers and clients,” he said.

Supports

If people or businesses are unsure as to what they should do and what changes Brexit may make to the way that they do business, they should look at www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit and or www.gov.ie/brexit.

Further information can be sought on Brexitcall@agriculture.gov.ie or 076 106 4443.

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