27 FEBRUARY 2019

Speaking from London, ICSA president Patrick Kent has said there is almost universal agreement amongst farm organisations that a no-deal Brexit would be a disaster for farming. Mr Kent made his comments following a meeting today of officials from a broad spectrum of farm organisations which operate under the umbrella Fairness for Farmers in Europe.

Commenting Mr Kent said, “It is clear from our talks this afternoon with our colleagues from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain that a no-deal Brexit is the worst possible outcome for farmers on these isles. While the Irish Government has put certain measures in place in an attempt to offset the fallout from Britain crashing out of the EU, it will never be enough. Likewise, for our counterparts in the North and Great Britain the consequences would be dire.”

Delegates at the meeting were unified in urging the UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove to recognise the importance of avoiding a no-deal Brexit scenario.

ENDS