As the prospect of a ‘no deal’ Brexit becomes more of a possibility the he Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) have said that this conclusion would be a “disastrous outcome”.

Those opposed to a no deal scenario warn that in such an instance tariffs could be seen between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and as a result the rest of the European Union (EU)

The Impartial Reporter spoke to two Fermanagh farmers, with differing opinions, about the prospect:

Andy Wilson, a farmer from Lisnaskea, is firmly in the pro Brexit camp and states that he is not concerned about the prospect of no deal.

“If there is a deal then it has to be a good deal. A good deal for the people of this country. But if not we should just walk away. We have been taking the crumbs off the EU for long enough and it is time to stop. I wish we had decided two months after the vote to just walk away.”

David Brown, of Florencecourt who is also the Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, believes that the British government and officials in Brussels are engaged in something of a ‘game of poker’ when it comes to negotiations:

“I think there is a certain amount of posturing going on between Westminster and the EU and to be honest that is not helpful because in any business uncertainty can have a negative effect. When it comes to farming some of the things that we do today is for three years down the line but at the moment it is very hard to plan because we simply don’t know what is going to happen.”

Mr Brown went on to say that being outside the EU could be positive for local farmers but also warned that the prospect of high tariffs has some farmers worried:

“There is a big fear when it comes to possible tariffs. And for farmers who rely heavily on exporting this is a real worry. Now, if a deal can be done in that respect then there are also definitely positives that could come out of being out of the EU, but what we need at the moment is a little bit of pragmatism from all leaders.”

For Mr Wilson however, he believes that it won’t come to a no deal scenario, and he believes that the EU “has more to lose and we do” if tariffs were introduced and refers to the BSE crisis of over two decades ago as evidence that the UK farmer will survive:

“I talk to farmers from as far down as Offaly and Wexford, and they are shaking in their trousers at the thought of a no deal and tariffs. The EU cannot afford to let the UK go. 20 years ago Bristish beef was banned and we got on with it. The Birtish people survived and we will survive whatever happens here. We just have to push on. I know people are worried but we can’t be pessimistic because it is all about the future now.”

Mr Brown concluded by returning to the aspect of uncertainty surrounding the whole Brexit negotiations:

“We can lobby and be a voice but we are not making the decisions. This has been kicked down the road and it might be kicked down the road again and that will be no good for anyone. We need decisions made but Westminster and the EU are playing a game of poker at the minute. And the uncertainty will only hurt all businesses, including farming.”