Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president, William Irvine, alongside industry representatives from Fane Valley, Agrii and DBS Farm Supplies, are seeking clarity on autumn cereal seed availability and movement from Great Britain (GB) into Northern Ireland (NI).The deputy president said:

“The NI Protocol has negatively impacted agriculture inputs and, in particular, the movement of cereal seed which is limiting the choice of varieties that will be made available in NI for our growers.

“There is also the issue of additional testing and labelling requirements for smaller seed lots which will not be economically viable going forward.”

He added:“While the current regulations allow for movement, it’s vital that, due to the limited seed selection, farmers plan ahead and place orders now with their merchants.

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

Additional meetings, involving the UFU have also been held with the UK’s Chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost and other EU officials on cereal seed and plant protection product availability.

The UFU will continue to liaise with DAERA officials and will monitor the situation on the ground.

When asked if cereal seed cannot be sourced from the Republic of Ireland (ROI), a UFU spokesperson referred to differing seed varieties and differing certifications standards, adding:

"The excess seed won't always be available in the south, as would be the case in England, due to scale and weather conditions,” the spokesperson said.