Joint Statement from IFA & NFU on Brexit talks

The President of the IFA Tim Cullinan and the President of the NFU Minette Batters held a remote meeting this afternoon to discuss the latest developments in the Brexit talks.

The two farm leaders have remained in regular contact during the Brexit negotiations, given the significance of the talks for farmers and the wider agri-food industry.

Following the meeting, the two farm leaders set out the key principles that farmers want to see as part of a deal.

• IFA and NFU re-affirmed the importance of avoiding a ‘no-deal’ scenario and appealed to both sets of negotiators to remain steadfast in pursuit of an agreement for arrangements on Jan 1^st.

• Minette Batters and Tim Cullinan re-stated their firm commitment to the adherence to world class standards that underpin food production in the UK and Ireland, and insisted that any future deal guarantees full recognition of these standards.

• Trade on the island of Ireland, and the trade flows East-West and West-East between here and the UK, are important to the economies on these islands. Every effort must be made to safeguard trade in agri-food goods, which plays a crucial role in the prosperity of rural communities.

• IFA and NFU re-affirmed their commitment to working together for the benefit of Irish and British farmers.