McAleer concern for Bord Bia farmers

Mr McAleer said: “The exclusion of northern based farm businesses from the Bord Bia scheme would have serious consequences for the sector locally and is another fallout from Brexit. Following representation from farmers in the poultry sector earlier this year, I wrote to Minister Poots to highlight concerns that EU exit could prohibit Bord Bias auditing and accreditation of production facilities in the north. I recently raised this again through Assembly questions to the Minister.”

Minister Poots said: “I am aware of concerns that NI producers and processors may no longer be eligible to participate in the Bord Bia quality schemes after the end of the Transition Period. The Bord Bia schemes are due for renewal under the EU State Aid regime later this year. My officials have liaised with Bord Bia’s parent Department, DAFM, seeking clarification on any potential issues and I also raised the matter with my counterpart in Dublin at the time, former Minister Calleary.

“Having considered all the legal issues involved, in early September, DAFM submitted an application for renewal of the relevant State Aid approval on a no-change basis, and is currently awaiting the EU Commission’s response. Continued participation of NI businesses in these schemes is beneficial to both our jurisdictions.”

Mr McAleer concluded: “I will continue to engage with the Minister and my counterpart Matt Carthy TD.”