SINN Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said a British House of Lords report into the impact of Brexit highlights the huge effect it would have on the agri-food sector.
The Chair of the Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs committee said:
“Stakeholders have been telling us for months how huge the impact will be, particularly regarding cross border trade.
“This report highlights some 38% of our exports from the north go to the south and in the agri-food sector around £700 million of the £1.15 billion annual exports go south.
“Any change to the relationship on this island will have detrimental consequences for both sides of the border.
“The south exports at a very high level to Britain and we are already seeing the impact the referendum result has had on some sectors, for example the mushroom industry.
“This report is another reminder of the need to create some stability and to secure designated special status for the north within the EU, which reflects how the majority of people here voted,” she added.
