Decision For UK To Leave The EU Will Be A 'Major Challenge' For The Farming Industry - UFU

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has said it will be a "major challenge" for the farming industry following the referendum decision for the UK to leave the EU.

The UFU has held a number of meetings with the Northern Ireland Agriculture and Economy Ministers as well as the board and the Executive.

UFU President, Barclay Bell, said: "There are many areas where we need reassurance that the position of farmers will not end up worse. These include long term substitute support measures for the CAP, market access to Europe and a simple trading relationship across the Irish border for all agricultural products.

"Given that the process of leaving the EU will take at least two years, and represents uncharted waters, the UFU says its aim is to set priorities for the outcome and to then make sure they are achieved.

"This will involve negotiations here, in London and in Brussels. We do not under-estimate the scale of the task, but continued financial support and access to markets is key to the survival of the farming industry here, and indeed the many thousands of jobs in food processing. The decisions ahead will be the most crucial in a farming generation and this clearly highlights the importance of having a strong UFU to represent the views of farmers from all sectors and across all geographical parts of Northern Ireland. We are committed to agreeing a strategy for what is best for the industry and seeing it implemented."

(CD)