Minister encourages businesses to prepare for a no-deal Brexit

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), as well as Bord Bia, provide resources for the trade seeking further information on how to be best prepared come the UK's departure. Photo: George Hodan.

The UK is set to leave the European Union (EU) on October 31, 2019. As we approach October 31 and the rhetoric surrounding a no-deal Brexit increases, Minister Creed is calling on traders to take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared for a no-deal Brexit.

Horticulture

14 August 2019

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, has appealed to agri-food businesses, traders, and hauliers of agricultural commodities to act immediately to ensure that they have taken the necessary steps to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

“Ireland does not want a no-deal Brexit. The government and the European Union (EU) believe that the best way forward is for the UK to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop provision. Ireland, the EU, and the UK have stated that they don’t want a hard border on the island of Ireland.”, said Minister Creed.

The minister 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.

“I want to acknowledge the work by all parties involved in the significant upgrade and expansion of these facilities which will now be used for existing third country trade, ensuring that these facilities are operating optimally in the event of a no-deal Brexit”., said Minister Creed.

As part of government preparations for a no-deal Brexit on October 31, 2019, the Revenue Commissioners have intensified their engagement with businesses who trade with the UK and are issuing letters to traders on a phased basis outlining the most critical Brexit preparation steps, including the necessity to register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, and the need to register with DAFM if they move animals, plants, or animal and plant products, to or from the UK.

The minister stated: “If you are a business that move (sic) animals, plants, or animal and plant (sic) to or from the UK, and has received one of these letters, please engage with my department so that we can help ensure you are familiar with the requirements for importing or exporting such commodities from/to the UK.

“Make sure you are registered with Revenue and my 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.

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

“We will also be holding a number of agriculture focused events in September where we will engage directly with individuals/businesses in the sector. These will also be held around the country, and details will be available on my department’s website in the coming weeks.

“There is no hiding from the fact that a no-deal Brexit will be a challenge and will 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.”

Supports

A series of practical steps have been introduced by DAFM to assist the sector in addressing the challenges posed by Brexit. Information on supports is available on the DAFM website via www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit or www.gov.ie/brexit. If businesses require further information or detail they should contact DAFM via brexitcall@agriculture.gov.ie or +353-(0)76-106-4443.