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There is an opportunity to secure the right [Brexit] deal and avoid a devastating outcome for rural Ireland, ICOS president Jerry Long has said.
With just days left for the EU and UK to reach a deal before the end of the transition period on 31 December, ICOS has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to encourage reconciliation and a pragmatic approach at the talks.
Long said: “The UK leaving the single market and customs union at the end of the year without a trade deal in place benefits no one.
“A no deal would mean the imposition of tariffs to the tune of €1.5bn on Irish agri food exports each year, which is frankly impossible for the industry to prepare for.”
Rural hit
ICOS has warned that it is highly unlikely that tariff costs will be recouped from the UK consumer and, more probable, it will be Irish farmers that will pay.
Long continued: “In addition, it is estimated that 12,500 jobs are at risk in the agri food sector if the UK does leave without a deal in place and it is rural Ireland that will be chiefly hit.
“The jobs will be lost in our rural communities and the cost of tariffs taken from our rural economies, causing inestimable long-term damage.”
ICOS highlights that while it is possible that if these talks fail we could see a return to trade negotiations with the UK at a later point, the discussions would likely include tariffs and quota restrictions on agri food products.
SHARING OPTIONS: