Various Irish farming organisation are expressing concern this evening with the proposed trade deal between the UK and Australia.
It’s been claimed that the deal sets a perilous precedent and is very concerning for Irish beef farmers.
The IFA President Tim Cullinan says: “Apart from the extra checks that will apply following the trade agreement reached last December, the threat to our markets is the biggest fallout for Irish farmers from the vote nearly five years ago.”
He added that trade deals between the UK and 3rd countries have the potential to undermine what is a very important market for our beef exports.
Total beef exports last year were €1.9bn, with 44% going to the UK market.
Pollution
Farmers are being urged to “continue to be vigilant” and play their part in protecting waterways from the threat of agricultural water pollution.
Making the calls, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) highlighted the potential damage that silage effluent can cause to aquatic life in local rivers.
The call comes following the conviction of a farm which permitted agricultural effluent to enter the Suileen River, a tributary of the Clare River in Co. Galway.