€60m Brexit relief fund for Irish aquaculture ‘must be new money’
The aquaculture branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has welcomed a proposed €60 million (£50.6m) fund to help the sector cope with the negative effects of Brexit.
But IFA Aquaculture chairman Michael Mulloy also warned that the money – recommended by Ireland’s Seafood Taskforce – must not be taken from an existing funding pot for the sector.
“The Seafood Taskforce report recommends a €60m fund for Brexit mitigation initiatives. However, many additional costs continue to emerge. Pre-notification, export health certificates and physical border control checks are just some of the measures due to come into force in 2022,” said Mulloy.
Reserve fund
“The initiatives proposed by the Taskforce should primarily be funded using the Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund. We do not want additional demands placed on the European Maritime Fisheries & Aquaculture fund.
“This represents an opportunity to invest in developing the Irish aquaculture industry and offers mitigation against the negative impacts in other sectors of the seafood industry due to Brexit.”
More talks needed
IFA Aquaculture is a member of the Seafood Taskforce, attending 14 meetings since it was first convened in March this year, with numerous discussions, proposals, and submissions taking place throughout that time.
Further engagement with IFA Aquaculture, BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency) and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials will be needed to progress the recommended initiatives, establish appropriate funding schemes and ensure Irish aquaculture receives the support it deserves, said IFA Aquaculture.
