NI Protocol could hit cereal seed supplies, warns UFU

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has raised concerns of potential cereal seed shortages this autumn as politicians continue to argue over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Farmers in the province rely on cereal seed grown in Great Britain, but strict plant health rules have applied to exports from the mainland since Brexit.

The rules were imposed because Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland and requires extra certification and checks before plant products can be imported.

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UFU deputy president William Irvine is concerned the inspection and certification measures will hinder supply, leading to potential shortages of varieties at drilling.

There is also the extra cost of additional testing and labelling requirements for smaller seed lots, which could leave some varieties unviable, Mr Irvine said.

He added that Defra and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) had pledged to raise the issue in negotiations after pressure from the union.

UFU officials have also discussed the issue with Cabinet Office minister and former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost.

But Mr Irvine stressed time was short. He said there was a need for urgent clarity on cereal seed availability and movement into Northern Ireland to allow importers and exporters enough time to order before drilling starts.

Time to plan ahead

In the meantime, Mr Irvine urged growers not to wait for an outcome from talks and to start the seed ordering process immediately.

“It’s vital that farmers plan ahead and place orders with their merchants now,” Mr Irvine said.

“With forward planning and good communication along the supply chain, we are hopeful seed ordered and placed in the system should be delivered on time.”

The UFU will continue to liaise with Daera officials and will monitor the situation on the ground, he said.