Creed warns of challenges ahead

THERE will be “significant challenges” for the Irish agrifood sector as a result of the UK’s EU referendum. That was the view of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

He told The Corkman that he is keenly aware of the concerns of those working in the sector about the UK exit decision.

“The UK is by far our largest trading partner in the agri-food sector. Ireland is also the UK’s largest destination for its food exports. Given these linkages, and as the UK is a net food importer, both countries have a strong interest in maintaining a close agri0food trading relationship. Safeguarding the interests of the Irish agric food sector will be central in informing the Government’s overall approach to all negotiations pertaining to the UK’s exit from the EU,” he said.

He said his department coupled with agencies and stakeholders have been giving careful consideration to any potential impacts of a UK exit and are looking at areas in which the greatest risks are likely to arise.

“But it’s important to bear in mind that the EU Treaty provides a two year period for negotiations of exit arrangements. Within that two year period existing arrangements will continue to apply,£ h said.

Minister Creed also said he doesn’t “underestimate” the scale of the task ahead of him and his Department and is confident that the agencies are “well prepared” to address the challenges presented.

HE said the main areas in which potential impacts are foreseen are in relation to currency fluctuations, tariffs and trade and the EU budget, to regulations and standards as well as customs controls and certification.

“The UK exit vote also raises complex issues for the fisheries sector. Of course, the most immediate concerns for agri-food exporters centre on exchange rates,” he said.

To deal with the task ahead, a unit has been formed in his department to work on all the issues. He has also asked Bord Bia to provide “practical guidance” to SMEs to assist them in dealing with marketing challenges arising in the shot term.

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