This is a subscriber-only article
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has reiterated that a no-deal Brexit would be the worst possible outcome for Northern Ireland dairying, in response to a statement from Dairy Council Northern Ireland’s statement earlier this week.
It warned on Monday that Northern Ireland’s dairy farmers face a milk price drop of 10p/l in the event of the doomsday scenario of a no-deal Brexit.
It would be totally unsustainable for our members and the entire Northern Ireland dairy industry
UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: “Any agreement that restricts trade north-south and east-west will have a severe impact on Northern Ireland dairy businesses.
“We have consistently said that any deal must allow free and frictionless trade and that a no-deal Brexit would be disastrous for Northern Ireland’s family-run farms.
“It would be totally unsustainable for our members and the entire Northern Ireland dairy industry if these tariffs were put in place. Our farmers, who are the primary producers, will pay the price for high tariffs, ultimately wiping out their livelihoods.
“Any tariffs the EU applies should be reciprocated. The UK should apply tariffs, which includes goods coming into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland,” he said.
SHARING OPTIONS: