Brexit and milk price volatility under the microscope at agriculture seminar

THERE is no question but farming has become increasingly difficult and with Brexit arising, it has led to huge concern for the thousands of farmers who are trying to etch out a living.

However, a conference will be held this Friday in Bandon, which is hosted by Ulster Bank which will deal with a host of topics at the fore for the farming community.

The seminar will focus on ‘Building Capabilities’ in the agricultural sector and some of the guest speakers will include the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed. He will be joined by a Dairy Farmer from Mallow, Pat Smyth.

In addition, Dr Ailish Byrne, a senior agricultural manager at Ulster Bank will also give a presentation. The panel and industry leaders will discuss issues including CAP reform, Brexit, Foodwise 2025, pricing volatility and strategies to build capabilities and manage change on farms.

This will be held at the Innishannon House Hotel and the main focus of the seminar is to provide meaningful help for farmers in the south, both on and off the farm who are planning not just for 2018 buy well beyond that time.

Without question, Brexit presents the most serious threat to Irish farming.

In Ireland, 40% of food exports goes to the UK and no other Member State in any other sector is as exposed as Ireland. The UK is a high value market, sharing similar consumer preferences to Irish consumers. Irish farmers and processors have developed systems of production and specifications to match market requirement.

Professor Thia Hennessy, Chair of Agri-Food Business, Department of Food Business and Development, Cork University Business School will attend. Also in attendance will be Ann Moore, a dairy farmer from Midleton. The seminar will be held from 9.30am until 2pm and lunch will also be provided.