Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister has criticised Great Britain’s trade deal with New Zealand describing the dealing as a “very serious threat” to NI farmers.
Under the terms of the deal, tariffs will be removed from exports of lamb, beef and butter from New Zealand into the UK.
According to the Department for International Trade (DIT) the tariffs can be staged over time to give Uk farmers time to adjust.
Mr Poots said he feared a negative impact on farm incomes and viability.
“I have been clear in my discussions with UK ministers that tariff-free access to the UK market for New Zealand farmers produce is a very serious threat to our farmers, even if that access is phased in over a number of years,” he added.
“New Zealand is a very significant and competitive beef, sheep and dairy exporter and has the potential to quickly increase exports further with a view to targeting the UK market.”
A quota for New Zealand lamb and beef exports to the UK, which will be gradually increased after the deal is implemented.
All beef and lamb imports will be tariff free after 15 years and quotas will no longer apply. Quotas for butter, cheese and some other dairy products will be removed after three years.
“I fear that if the approach that the UK Government has taken with Australia and New Zealand is confirmed in the ratified free trade agreement then the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK will in the future come under pressure from imports with a resulting negative impact on farm incomes and viability,” concluded Mr Poots.
LSL News.