Agri-Food Firms Advised To Prepare For No Deal

The Government has appealed to businesses in the agri-food sector to act immediately and ensure all necessary steps to prepare for a no deal Brexit have been taken.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, is advising all traders and hauliers of agricultural commodities to take action and develop a plan for a no-deal scenario.

The UK is set to leave the EU in just under of three months time, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledging to follow through even in the absence of a ratified Withdrawal Agreement.

Preparatory measures including registering with the Department and securing an EORI number.

Earlier this week, Minister Creed visited Dublin port to inspect the purpose built infrastructural projects which will allow officials in his Department and other Government Departments and Agencies to conduct the necessary regulatory controls post Brexit. He stated: "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."

As part of the whole of Government preparations, the Revenue Commissioners have intensified their engagement with businesses who trade with the UK and are issuing letters to traders outlining the most critical Brexit preparation steps including the necessity to register for an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number and the need to register with the Department if they move animals, plants or animal and plant products to or from the UK.

The Minister stated: "We can help ensure you are familiar with the requirements for importing or exporting such commodities from/to the UK.

"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."

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.

The Minister continued: "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 Tullamore National Livestock Show, the Virginia Agricultural Show as well as at the National Ploughing Championship. We will also be holding a number of Agriculture focussed 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."



(JG/CM)