UFU says cross border livestock trade must be protected in Brexit negotiations

The Ulster Farmers’ Union, deputy president, Victor Chestnutt, has stressed the importance of cross border trade for cattle and sheep.
Victor Chestnutt was speaking during a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in County Offaly, where he said this trade must be protected in the Brexit negotiations.
UFU Deputy President Victor Chestnutt warned this week that if this trade is not protected, Brexit would have a negative impact on livestock farms.
He said there are many established links between the livestock sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for both breeding and finished stock.
Over the past week Mr Chestnutt and other UFU representatives have been speaking to farmers and visiting livestock marts on both sides of the border, culminating with a meeting with the IFA at the Ploughing Championships this week.
From a Northern Ireland perspective, he says, this year farmers have exported half their lambs and a significant number of cattle to processors south of the border. This trade, facilitated by the live markets, has encouraged competition and ensured farmers get the best possible price for their stock, he said.
Mr Chestnutt added that while the sterling/euro exchange rate has a major bearing on the success of this trade, government must recognise that additional complications as a result of Brexit would undermine farm incomes and this must be avoided.
 
Picture – L-R       UFU Deputy President, victor Chestnutt; UFU Beef and Lamb Vice Chairman, Sam Chesney; IFA President, Joe Healy and UFU Beef and Lamb Chairman Crosby Cleland at the Irish National Ploughing Championships.