Breeders would face issues attending shows and sales in GB if the trading arrangements were not reviewed
By Richard Halleron
Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) were hopeful common sense would prevail and the trading relationship between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be fully restored.
Trading difficulties have arisen between GB and NI since the turn of the year with new trading arrangements coming into place once the Brexit transition period ended.
UFU president Victor Chestnutt said some of the issues were ‘teething problems'.
Problems
"No doubt these will be sorted out over the coming weeks," he said.
"But there are a number of issues that are very strategic in nature. Sorting these matters out will require a formal review process involving the UK government and the EU authorities."
The problems included the importation of pedigree livestock and semen from GB into Northern Ireland which he said will need to be officially sorted out over the coming weeks.
Mr Chestnutt added: "Currently, pedigree breeders from Northern Ireland will not be in a position to show stock at shows held in England, Scotland and Wales. Getting the animals across the Irish Sea in the first place is not the real issue.
Return
"But problems will arise when it comes to getting these animals home. The new health regulations require that stock must be resident in GB for a six month period before a travel certificate allowing their return to Northern Ireland can be issued.
"Breeders from Northern Ireland will also be restricted in attending sales in GB, given the current health-related arrangements. If they bring stock over, the option of bringing animals home directly will not be available to them, should they fail to get the prices they want."
Mr Chesnutt was hopeful that a degree of common sense will be brought to bear, where these matters are concerned.
"French cheese exporters are currently facing the same health checks and increased levels of bureaucracy," he said.
"No doubt, they will be keen to retain their strong trading links with the UK. It's all about finding the required common ground."
