Farmers in the north will lose out by as much as €34,000 a year as a result of the the vote to leave the European Union, it has been claimed.
, Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has warned.the agriculture industry, one of the most vital industries on the island of Ireland, “now faces serious problems.”
She said: "When this referendum was called, and indeed throughout the campaign, the case of Irish farmers did not cross the mind of the British Tory party.
“The economy in the north relies heavily on EU agricultural payments and subsidies, as well as other important regional funding.
“Given the Tory agenda of austerity and thire cutting of the bloc grant, we in Sinn Féin have absolutely no confidence that the British government will replace these lost funds"
"In terms of the Common Agriculture Policy alone, farmers could lose in the region of €34,000 a year, which would cripple their livelihoods.
"This is not to mention the impact possible restrictions placed on cross-border trading would have.
"We in Sinn Féin fear that in future negotiations and in the eventual case of a Brexit, the British government won't fight for farmers in the North.”
Ms Anderson concluded: “Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for Irish farmers and fight their case in Europe, Leinster House, the Assembly and local government."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.