Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that we need allies. There will be trade-offs. The last CAP was concluded under the Irish Presidency and under the aegis of the former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney. Much of the ground work was done with Commissioner Ciološ. It is important to build alliances and create understanding of what we are about.

One statistic that is a little bit concerning is that the EU 28 are currently about 100% self sufficient in food production. With the UK gone, we will be at 115% or 116%. That void will have to be filled. The British are going to have to buy food but we are going to have to sell it.

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