Resolving issues around the future of the Irish border is of critical importance for the dairy sector on both parts of the island, according to Dairy UK’s director for Northern Ireland Dr Mike Johnston.
He was part of a group from the organisation that recently gave evidence to the House of Commons’ Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on the future of the Irish border last week.
Johnston said that, over the last few decades, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have developed common practices to improve efficiency, maximise productivity and add value throughout the dairy supply chain.
“Through an ‘all-island’ value chain, dairy stakeholders in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland work closely together and rely on the free movement of people, raw materials and finished goods.”
We have an efficient, well-oiled system that works and delivers benefits to all dairy stakeholders north and south of the border.
“Dairy companies are focusing on seizing every opportunity available but the lingering uncertainty created by Brexit raises many concerns in terms of future investments and our ability to plan for the future.£
Members of the Dairy UK delegation confirmed to the committee that many Irish dairy companies have operations spanning both parts of the island.
Any disruption to the free movement of raw milk or dairy products would have a major impact on dairy processors and dairy farmers while jeopardising the overall efficiency and competitiveness levels achieved by the industry as a whole, they warned.
Johnston highlighted the key role of exports and trade for Northern Ireland’s dairy industry saying that dairy exports to EU and non-EU countries are vital to the industry.
“Post-Brexit, we will need to be competitive not only with non-EU countries but also with our EU partners to gain access to new exports markets.
“We need a joined-up game plan between industry and government to identify, target and secure new markets for dairy exports. We have tremendous potential to grow and we will focus on fostering collaboration throughout the supply chain and with Government and Parliament to achieve our goals.”