Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The result of the Brexit referendum on 23 June has clearly created an environment of uncertainty as to how our relationship with the UK will change in the coming years. Food Wise 2025 highlights the ambitious targets of the food and drinks sector with a target of €19 billion in exports to be achieved by 2025. That requires a growth of €8 billion over the next nine years and there will probably be numerous trade deals as result of Britain entering trade deals with international partners such as Australia, New Zealand, North America and Mercosur. All those issues have to be addressed. Are we going to sleepwalk into a scenario where we overproduce which would have an impact on prices or is the Minister developing a plan to ensure we do not arrive in that situation?

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