DAERA information events – agri-food business preparations for a potential no deal EU exit

Information sessions are being held across Northern Ireland to help agri-food businesses or traders who export or import, to prepare for a no deal Brexit.

The sessions, hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and supported by INVEST NI, HMRC and the Food Standards Agency (FSA), aim to help business understand the changes and new regulations they will face after 31 October 2019.

DAERA is encouraging business to urgently register for the workshops to secure their place as interest is expected to be high.

The events will take place as follows:

• 12 September 2019 - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm - Tullyglass Hotel, 178 Galgorm Road, Ballymena  BT42 1HJ
• 17 September 2019 - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm - Silverbirch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh  BT79 7DH
• 24 September 2019 - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm - Tullyglass Hotel, 178 Galgorm Road, Ballymena  BT42 1HJ
• 1 October 2019 - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm - Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon  BT66 6NJ

Find out more on the DAERA website.

Each event will include a series of presentations which will run at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3pm at each event. In addition, a number of information ‘stands’ will also be available throughout the day to provide supplementary tailored advice.

Areas covered will include:

• Exports/imports;
• Export health certificates including live animals/products of animal origin, (milk, meat, fish, eggs)/animal by-products;
• Plant health;
• Environmental management (waste and water);
• Food hygiene, standards, labelling and composition;
• Business advice and support on EU exit preparedness and
• HMRC

DAERA Director of Brexit Contingency Planning Derek Williamson says: “It is crucial that businesses are prepared for EU Exit, (specifically a ‘no deal’ exit) on 31 October 2019. There are new rules, processes and requirements that businesses will have to understand if they are to be able to trade with the EU. DAERA is therefore encouraging agri-food businesses to consider attending one of these events. 

“The number of places and consultations at each event is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Consequently, businesses are encouraged to register as soon as possible.”

DAERA advises that those wishing to attend should respond by email to: EUExit@daera-ni.gov.uk confirming which event and presentation they wish to attend. DAERA staff will be happy to assist delegates with a disability or health condition who are attending this event and are encouraged to contact the number below to discuss specific needs.

Delegates who wish to avail of a ‘one to one’ consultation at any of the stands available you will need to book this separately by contacting 028 7744 2392. Booking will be available during normal office hours (9am-5pm) from 28 August to 18 September. 

In the interim, information for agri-food businesses concerning a No Deal EU Exit can be found on the DAERA website.

Notes to editors: 

1. The department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the department’s internal records management system. The department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website. 
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3. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

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