The Irish agriculture sector faces new and complex trading conditions given diverging US tariffs on either side of the Irish border, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
MEP Maria Walsh is calling on the European Commission to explore the use of EU funds to protect the agriculture and food and drinks sectors from the worst of the 20% US tariffs.
MEP Walsh is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, on which she is the standing rapporteur for UK matters. In this role, MEP Walsh leads discussions and policy on agriculture related issues affecting relations between the EU and United Kingdom.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“For many, Trump’s tariff announcements will be reminiscent of the Brexit years as we once again face two different realities on the island of Ireland. While the US has imposed tariffs of 10% on the UK, south of the border, businesses in the Republic have been hit with a 20% rate.
“Our agriculture sector is now exposed to the Irish border once again, as businesses could face a significant trade disadvantage compared to their Northern Ireland counterparts. However, the details remain unclear given trade rules for the North agreed under the Windsor Framework.
“Trump’s administration has created a headache for the island of Ireland, disrupting the stability we have finally managed to secure. The issue of the Irish border will once again be in the headlines – and has the potential to be weaponised in divisive and dangerous political pointscoring.
“The European Commission should consider the use of EU funding to compensate the hardest hit sectors, in particular the agriculture sector – either via crisis reserve or similar to what was done through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Without the arrival of support or a negotiated agreement, our agricultural and food and drinks sector are in Trump’s firing line – in particular those in border counties.
“I have written to my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to request an emergency debate on this issue, ensuring the Irish agricultural sector is represented and protected at both national and EU levels.”
