Farmers have told politicians that they have already lost €100million on beef exports since last Autumn because of Brexit.
And farmers’ leaders are saying that the prospect a hard Brexit would be even more “devastating” for the industry.
The shock warning came from the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) appearing before the Oireachtas agriculture committee on Tuesday.
IFA President Joe Healy has also told the TDs and Senators of Leinster House that proposed tariffs to be introduced by the UK Government after Brexit UK market would result in massive losses for beef producers.
This is because the British already pay more than anyone else for our quality beef and it would not be possible to find an alternative market as good for our industry.
Mr Healy said: “Irish beef exports to the UK market reached 298,000 tonnes (52% of all beef exports) in 2019.
“In addition, the UK is the highest priced market for Irish beef exports.
“In the event of a no deal or a hard Brexit and the imposition of import tariffs, the impact on the Irish beef sector and Irish farming would be devastating.
“Irish beef exports to the UK could not economically survive the tariff rates proposed by the UK Government of approximately €1,500 per tonne for manufacturing beef and €2,500 per tonne on steak cuts.
“In addition, the UK proposals on zero tariff import quotas are extremely restrictive and are also open to all global suppliers.”
Mr Healy said hat Irish farmers need badly the post-Brexit supports that have been promised by the European Commission and the Irish Government.
He is calling on the Government to stand by their promises in the farmers’ hours of need.
“IFA has made proposals to the Irish Government and the EU Commission on the need to introduce a comprehensive package of market supports and direct aid for farmers from the EU to cover a bad Brexit and the losses already incurred.
Irishman, 60, who has business on Cavan border fears Brexit will cause another heartache
“Current EU intervention and APS support measures are not fit for purpose.
“New emergency market disturbance measures are required.”
The IFA ideally would prefer if the status quo was kept in place, but if this is not possible the IFA wants supports for all farmers, not just the beef sector.
“IFA is seeking a Brexit support package for all farming sectors including dairying, sheep, pig meat, poultry, tillage, mushrooms, forestry and horticulture.
“IFA’s objectives for any new EU-UK trading relationship include, tariff-free and quota-free trade for agri-food products between the EU and the UK.”
