IFA meets eu chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels
AN IFA delegation led by President Joe Healy met with The EU’s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels this week.
The IFA President set out IFA’s Brexit priorities as spelled out in the recently launched policy document Brexit: The Imperatives for Irish Farmers and the Agri- food sector.
Speaking following the meeting, Joe Healy said the engagement had been very constructive, “It is clear that Mr. Barnier and his team have a very good understanding of Irish agriculture and the very real threats posed by Brexit,” he said.
“There is clearly a very difficult negotiation period ahead between the EU and the UK. The IFA was very clear that the outcome must include a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the EU and UK, which would include the following specific elements for agriculture and food: tariff- free trade for agricultural products and food; maintenance of equivalent standards on food safety, animal health, welfare and the environment; and application of the Common External Tariff for imports to both the EU and UK.”
The IFA delegation meeting with Michel Barnier included President Joe Healy; Director General, Damian McDonald; Director of European Affairs, Liam McHale; Chief Economist, Rowena Dwyer; and, IFA Brexit Co- ordinator, Elaine Farrell.
IFA will hold a major Brexit event on Monday, 24th April next. EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, IFA representatives and industry leaders will speak at the event in Goffs, Co Kildare.