Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has warned business in the agri food sector that, with or without a deal, change is coming on 1 January next year.

“We are no longer talking about missed deadlines for a no-deal Brexit. Regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations, the UK will be outside the EU's Single Market and Customs Union.

“That means new import controls and export certification requirements will come into effect in respect of animals, plants, and products of animal and plant origin moving to, from or through Great Britain. Businesses must prepare for these. And the first step is to register as soon as possible with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,” he said.

Brexit funding

The Minister welcomed the Government’s budgetary provision for an overall contingency fund of €3.4bn to address the twin challenges of Brexit and COVID-19.

“This contingency fund will be made available to assist our most vulnerable sectors. In addition, we know that the EU will establish a €5bn Brexit Adjustment Reserve for the member states and sectors worst affected by Brexit.

Clearly, Ireland and its agri-food and fisheries sectors are particularly exposed, and I look forward to seeing the Commission’s proposals in relation to how this fund will be administered,” he said.

Import controls

He warned that the UK would become a third country to the EU single market from 1 January 2021 and new import and export requirements will arise.

“I am very pleased to have secured an additional €39m in respect of staffing- and infrastructure-related expenditure. This will ensure that my Department will be in a position to fulfil its expanded control obligations at ports and airports, and continue to facilitate trade.”

The minister also welcomed the additional €4m allocated to Bord Bia to increase its total grant to €52.25m. This would allow Bord Bia to continue its market support efforts in the UK, European and wider international markets, he said.

Less than 80 days

Minister McConalogue added: “Time is very short now and with less than 80 days left until 1 January, now is the time to get Brexit-ready. Therefore I am urging the entire industry to continue their Brexit preparations now. If you haven’t started yet, then you must commence preparations today.

“Anyone moving goods from, to or through Britain should register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as an importer or exporter, and arrange registration on the TRACEs system as appropriate, by contacting brexitregistration@agriculture.gov.ie. You should also familiarise yourselves with the requirements that will come into effect from January, through www.gov.ie.”

The Minister will host the 15th meeting of the Consultative Committee of Stakeholders on Brexit next Thursday, 22 October 2020.

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