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ICOS, which represents over 130 co-operatives in Ireland, including the Irish dairy processing co-ops and livestock marts, has made a number of submissions relating to Irish co-ops at a meeting with members of the EU Commission’s Brexit negotiating team, including those responsible for agricultural and Irish affairs within the upcoming talks. The ICOS delegation was led by president Martin Keane, CEO TJ Flanagan and European affairs executive Alison Graham.
The team said its priority for the negotiations is to ensure that the deep trading ties between Ireland and Britain and the integrated all-island agricultural economy are recognised and facilitated in the outcome.
This will allow for the continued trade of milk across the border
Among its submissions to the Commission was the proposal that milk produced on both sides of the border in Ireland is recognised as Irish milk.
“Ideally, this will allow for the continued trade of milk across the border, without being hindered by burdensome customs, SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) and labelling regulations,” said Keane. “This proposal was considered by the Commission with interest, although any agreement made on customs controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic must be agreeable to the other 26 EU member states.”
Practical solutions
The president added that “practical solutions” are needed to avoid the introduction of a physical border between the north and south of Ireland.
The negotiation of a new customs agreement with the UK must allow for the continuation of current north-south trade
“We emphasised that, as much as possible, the negotiation of a new customs agreement with the UK must allow for the continuation of current north-south trade and co-ordination on issues such as animal health strategies, food chain traceability and so on. It was highlighted that without this trade, there would be inestimable damage done to the fragile rural economies in the border counties of Ireland.
“It is very clear that the Commission is well prepared heading into the negotiations to defend Irish interests,” he added, “but also that this will be a very lengthy process. It will take a long number of years to settle the political details and in this time, uncertainty itself will be a barrier to trade and investment.”
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