Brexit would be bad for agriculture and agri-food industries - Anderson

Speaking after meeting a group of farmers in Glenmornan, Co Tyrone, Ms Anderson said: “Clearly Brexit would have negative consequences for business, for agriculture, for the environment and for rural development across Ireland.

“One of the main sources of uncertainty following a Brexit would be around the type of trade arrangements which could be negotiated with the EU and the rest of the world.

“I have no doubt that a Brexit would leave the agri-food sector both north and south in a more difficult situation with respect to having access to export markets.

“In the north, we currently receive €326million/£236 million annually to support our farmers and this is hugely important for our agricultural industry.

“We also secured £186.5 million of EU funds towards our new Rural Development Programme. It simply would not make sense to put that level of support in jeopardy.”