FA president to travel to Brussels to meet Commissioner Hogan following Brexit vote defeat

Following the defeat of the Brexit motion in the House of Commons yesterday evening, the IFA president Joe Healy is travelling to Brussels today for a meeting with EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.

Mr Healy said he would be looking for firm commitments of Commission support for Irish farmers, who would feel the full force of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

He said the reality of the situation is that Irish farmers are already bearing the brunt of Brexit through disastrous beef prices. 

Prices are down 25c/kg or almost €100 per head below this time last year.

Mr Healy said: “It’s time for EU solidarity to be converted into tangible support. 

“Some of our sectors – beef, dairy, mushrooms – will be very badly exposed and will require significant financial assistance.

“The prospect of a crash out Brexit is a serious threat, which would be catastrophic for farmers on the two islands and hugely damaging to the interests of consumers. 

“Dicing with a cliff-edge Brexit is madness for everybody.”

At a meeting with UK farm leaders earlier yesterday, Mr Healy said it was the clear view of farm leaders was that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would be a disaster for farmers in Ireland and the UK and must be avoided.

Mr Healy said the Irish and UK food supply chains are deeply integrated.

“We have grave concerns regarding the dangers of a ‘no deal’ outcome that would cause massive disruption to the normal trade flows between the two countries, on which farmers greatly depend for their livelihoods.”