New challenges for local millers

Writing in today’s Farming Life (see page 4), NIGTA chief executive Robin Irvine points out that of the promised frictionless trade based on no tariffs, no customs and no inspections - only the removal of tariffs has been delivered.

According to Irvine, the result is a unique and unpredictable outcome for Northern Ireland.

He added:“The threat of a £90 per tonne tariff on around half a million tonnes of wheat and barley from GB would have severely impacted our livestock sector.

“Thankfully, the tariffs have been avoided. But declarations, checks and inspections will add significantly to the cost of trading goods by road freight with the UK mainland.

“Uncertainty remains around the sourcing of grains from other third country regions where these had been subject to favourable EU Tariff Rate Quotas, which may no longer be available to Northern Ireland importers,” he added.

“Goods sourced from such origins will be classed as goods at risk, incurring full EU duty rates on arrival, and no rebate system has yet been tabled to recover duty when such goods are consumed in Northern Ireland.”

The NIGTA chief executive concluded:“The challenge for the Northern Ireland executive will be to deliver effective policies and supports that will allow local businesses to make the best of the challenges and opportunities presented through the Trade and Co-operation Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs spokesperson Rosemary Barton MLA claims that further confusion for the farming industry is in store given the mixed messages in relation to the importation of live animals from GB to Northern Ireland. At the heart of the issue lies the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Mrs Barton said that under the new Brexit arrangements, the movement of live animals from GB to Northern Ireland will be a much more rigorous process, one which was never envisaged by the Agricultural economy.

She added:“In a recent letter from the Northern Ireland Office to the UFU it would appear to indicate that live sheep movements from GB into NI will require an Export Health Certificate, something that is not readily available to family farm businesses.

“These are confusing messages for farmers throughout Northern Ireland and indeed Great Britain, many of whom rely on Northern Ireland farmers purchasing livestock in GB. It appears, this will not now happen freely.

“I have written to the NI Chief Veterinary Officer Robert Huey for clarification on the matter.”