Brexit without an agreement could be a watershed in Northern Ireland, which would lead to the destruction of a number of livestock farms.
According to Hampton Hewitt, the owner of the cattle company Markethill Sale Yard, UK withdrawal from the EU without an agreement would destroy live trade from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
Hewitt added, “The livestock market is a low-margin business. Turnover is everything. Any action that leads to a decrease in the level of business in the market can have disastrous consequences for its future viability. ”The Ulster Farmers Union recently met with its UK counterparts in agriculture, the National Union of Farmers of England, the National Union of Farmers of Scotland and the Association of Irish Farmers, to discuss the implications of Britain leaving the EU without a deal.
Ivor Ferguson, president of the Irish Farmers Association, said: “For several months now, we have been calling for clarity. It is imperative that politicians give priority to the needs of the business, as well as the welfare and long-term prosperity of the agri-food sector. Food and agriculture play a key role in both the UK and Ireland, and every effort must be made to protect the industry. ”He also added: “Exit without a deal would be economically catastrophic, and we must avoid a catastrophic, erratic exit from the EU.”