In a matter of weeks, the electorate in Britain will vote on whether to leave or remain in the European Union. Opinion polls are too close to call, with turnout expected to be a key factor in determining the final result.

A decision to leave the EU will have a profound impact on Ireland, as the only country with a land border with the UK. Britain is a key market for the Irish agri-food sector, with 30% of our dairy produce valued at €970 million and over 50% of our beef is sold into the UK.

While it would be immature at this stage to speculate as to the full impact on trade between Ireland and Britain. It is safe to assume that the effect of a Brexit will be significant and negative.  The ESRI, the London School of Economics and Teagasc have all published various reports recently, which paint a gloomy outlook.

Should the UK vote to leave, it will have to disentangle its relationship with the EU. A two year time period of negotiations, which may be extended if needed, is envisaged under Article 50 of the EU Treaty. Undoubtedly, this will cause uncertainty, already seen with the weakening of Sterling against the Euro.

Ireland and Britain joined the then EEC together in 1973, along with Denmark. While not seeing eye to eye on every piece of legislation adopted at EU level, Britain has been an important ally to Ireland around the Brussels negotiating table due to our shared history, cultural similarities and as neighbours located at the edge of the European continent.

There are 300,000 UK citizens living in Ireland eligible to vote by postal ballot, and nearly half a million Irish citizens living in the UK with a vote. Furthermore, there are many more with Irish lineage and connections living in the UK. While, ultimately this is a decision that will be taken by the British people alone, the objective evidence clearly suggests that Ireland is best served by the UK remaining in the EU.

 As such, it is vitally important that every opportunity is taken to urge this cohort to consider the views of the Irish Government and businesses trading with the UK day-in, day-out before casting their ballot.

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri-Food Policy Executive