News Brexit
Northern Ireland to slaughter cows in no-deal Brexit
If a no-deal Brexit is implemented at the end of October, it is expected that approximately 45.000 dairy cows will be slaughtered in Northern Ireland. This is because a large part of the milk is processed in the Republic of Ireland, and that part remains part of the European Union.
About 33% of Northern Ireland's dairy production is processed in the Republic of Ireland. That 'country' will remain part of the European Union after a no-deal Brexit. According to several analysts, the slaughter of the animals could be a fact within a few weeks of October 31 if no deal is struck. According to BBC Newsnight the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Defra) is aware of the concerns.
Higher rates and controls
There are approximately 310.700 dairy cows in Northern Ireland and the processing industry exports between 700 and 800 million liters to the Republic of Ireland each year. The average trading price of 1 liter of British milk is currently converted at €0,28. In the case of a no-deal, where rates of €0,21 can be applied, the price therefore rises to €0,49 per liter.
Customs checks and a lot of paperwork can also cause complications. There is also the fear that it will soon no longer be legal to mix milk from the north and south. Livestock farmers expect that they will be left with an abundance of milk with a no-deal. "Cows have to be milked, but if there is no market and farmers can't sell their product, they can't go on for long. In the end, they have no choice but to reduce their herd," said a concerned dairy farmer. BBC News know.
Kimberly Baker
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