The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today chaired a special meeting of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee to discuss Brexit and its implications for the agri-food sector.
The meeting was attended by the CEOs and senior officials from Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Teagasc and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, as well as senior officials from the Departments of Agriculture Food and the Marine, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Public Expenditure and Reform.
Minister Creed outlined the need for a coordinated approach following the UK vote to leave the European Union. Speaking after the meeting, he said “We are all familiar with the particular dependence of the agri-food sector on the UK market. The most immediate concern for our agri-food exporters is exchange rate volatility and it is important that we have a coherent and joined-up approach to managing those immediate pressures. I am pleased that the state agencies are being proactive in their advice and supports. Of course, it will be some time before we can be clear about the extent and nature of any long-term impact and it is important that we retain perspective and do not exaggerate the potential implications, which at this point are unknown“.
It was agreed at this meeting that a contact group be established with representatives from the various agencies and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This group will meet regularly to monitor the situation and will work collaboratively, sharing information, to ensure a coherent response to any issues arising.
This is in addition to the consultative committee of stakeholders announced by the Minister last week. The Minister has also established a dedicated unit within the Department to deal with any issues that arise in the context of negotiations.
