Michael Creed, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has appealed to all forms of agri-food businesses to immediately ensure that they have taken the necessary steps to prepare for a No-Deal Brexit.
Creed made the announcement following the announcement from the UK Government that it will leave the EU on 31 October.
However, the United Kingdom remained Ireland’s largest trading partner in 2018, with 40% of total agri-food sector goods destined for UK markets.
Creed stressed that it is vitally important that businesses make their preparations now so that they can be as prepared as possible in the run-up to and in the period immediately after Brexit.
Government Plans
The Minister revealed that his, and other departments have stepped up their preparations for a No-Deal Brexit, engaging with businesses who trade with the UK.
“If you are a business that moves animals, plants or animal and plant 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,” the Minister said.
The Department of Agriculture added that there is are no charges for registering through itself, or with Revenue.
Registration will ensure that businesses can trade with the UK post-Brexit, as well as allowing the Department to communicate directly with businesses in a focused manner.
Earlier in the week, Minister Creed visited Dublin port to inspect the purpose-built infrastructural projects which will allow 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,” the Minister said.
He also revealed that these projects will now be used for existing third-country trade, “ensuring that these facilities are operating optimally in the event of a No-Deal Brexit”.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
