Alan Matthews: The Brexit timebomb is ticking for farmers
Most attention has been focused on the Northern Ireland backstop, but the provisions of the current Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and EU are equally important
Sheep on the streets: A flock of sheep are herded past government buildings in Whitehall, London during a Farmers for a People's Vote protest last month. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Brexit politics are still in turmoil, but assuming that the referendum outcome is not reversed, there are only two options to consider for businesses in the agri-food sector. Either the UK leaves the EU with a deal in an orderly Brexit, or it crashes out without a deal in a disorderly Brexit.
The current deadline for this binary choice is October 31. While this date may change depending on UK political developments, this will not alter the potential outcomes. From an Irish perspective, the UK leaving with a deal is a vastly preferable alternative.
