MP is concerned for farmers post Brexit

MP is concerned for farmers post Brexit

26 July 2017

FARMERS across the constituency fear they face a post-Brexit in income, according to South Down MP Chris Hazzard.

He met recently with a number of farmers to discuss the issue and was joined by Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson and South Down MLAs Emma Rogan and Sinead Ennis.

Mr Hazzard said the mounting fear of those working in the agriculture industry comes after the British Government warned agricultural subsidies will have to be a “earned rather than simply handed out.”

The MP, who met with farmers in Burrenbridge, said farmers are worried that subsidies will be drastically reduced in the wake of Brexit. 

He continued: “Currently, more than 80 per cent of farming income comes in the form of an EU agricultural subsidy so fears have been raised considerably following the remarks of Environment Secretary Michael Gove that subsidies will have to be earned, whatever that means. 

“Many local farmers are now expressing frustration and anger that Tory/DUP pledges over Brexit are starting to ring hollow. Speaking with farmers, it is clear that any removal of subsidies and introduction of agricultural tariffs on produce would have a crippling effect on our farming industry in South Down.”

Mr Hazzard said it is becoming abundantly clear that the only way to protect the agri-food industry is to secure special status for the North of Ireland within the EU.