All agricultural stakeholders must take steps to ensure they are prepared for a “No Deal” Brexit scenario – Deering

The Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee has called on all agricultural stakeholders to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to prepare for a “No Deal” Brexit.

Fine Gael TD Pat Deering said that while the Government is doing everything in its power to prevent a “No Deal” scenario, agri-food businesses, traders and hauliers of agricultural commodities must ensure they have plans in place.

Deputy Deering said: “I am calling on businesses in the Agri-Food and related sectors to make sure that they know exactly what they will need to do in a “No Deal” scenario and make the necessary preparations now.

“Make sure you are registered with Revenue and the Department, make sure you know what documents and certificates you have to submit, to whom you have to submit them and what are the time limits for submission.

“Decide who is going to be responsible for the submission of documents and certificates – you or a customs agent.”

Deputy Deering continued: “If you are a business that moves animals, plants or both to or from the UK and have received a letter from Revenue outlining the necessity to register for an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number and the need to register with the Department, please ensure you engage with the Department so they can help ensure you are familiar with the requirements for importing or exporting such commodities from/to the UK.

“All goods traders who use wood pallets or wood packaging for the movement of goods to or from the UK should ensure that their wood packaging meets the ISPM 15 standard and is clearly stamped as meeting that standard.

“As part of our efforts to keep people informed and to help businesses to take all the steps needed to prepare for Brexit, the Department of Agriculture will have a presence at some Agricultural shows including the Tullamore National Livestock Show, the Virginia Agricultural Show as well as at the National Ploughing Championship.

“They will also be holding a number of Agriculture focussed events in September where they will engage directly with individuals/businesses in the sector. These will also be held around the country, and details will be available on the Department’s website in the coming weeks.”

Deputy Deering concluded: “Earlier this week my Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, visited Dublin port to inspect the purpose built infrastructural projects which will allow officials in his Department and other Government Departments and Agencies, conduct the necessary regulatory controls post Brexit.

“There is no hiding from the fact that a “No Deal” Brexit would be a challenge and would impact on trade.

“Hoping that it won’t happen is not a sound strategy and will not make it go away. It is far better to prepare now and to do everything that you can to make sure that you’re ready.

“Check your supply chain. Review your regulatory obligations. Engage with your suppliers and clients.”

ENDS