Prime Minister Theresa May visited Fairview Farm, a dairy farm in Bangor this month. She was shown by owners Stephen and Susanne Jackson. After her tour of the farm, Mrs May met with representatives of the Ulster Farmers’ Union for lunch in the farmhouse.
They discussed their concerns within the agriculture industry and talked about the potential impact of Brexit on the industry, with a particular focus on the free flow of goods across the Irish border. The representatives were keen to stress that they do not want a border created in the Irish Sea as this would impact trade with Great Britain.
The Prime Minister listened to their concerns and reassured the group that she is “absolutely committed to ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland to ensure free flow of trade.” Mrs May also told the farmers that she believes Brexit will present new opportunities for the agriculture industry and will open up new markets for UK farmers.
Mrs May commented that being out of the CAP (EU’s Common Agricultural Policy) “will enable us to set our own way of doing things.” She also told attendees that she had learned of potential opportunities for milk exporters in the UK on her recent visit to China.