Seafood export initiative to mitigate Brexit impact
A new scheme for seafood enterprises to help develop export markets also aims to mitigate potential effects of Brexit.
Implemented by the seafood development and export agencies, BIM and Bord Bia, the Seafood Scaling and New Market Development Plan was launched by marine minister Michael Creed at a ‘Brexit Preparedness’ workshop. The event in Cork targeted agri-food businesses and their logistics and transport companies to outline advisory and financial support for moving goods efficiently through ports after the UK’s departure from the EU.
The scheme will also support enterprises to export worldwide through international trade shows and customer networking events.
“The largest support rates will be reserved for seafood enterprises who work together to develop export markets; these groups will be supported for additional activities such as overseas agents and office rental, and for formal participation in trade shows,” Minister Creed explained.
New opportunities
Jim O’Toole, BIM chief executive said diversifying into new markets “demands a deeper understanding of requirements so that Irish companies can best develop their offering to exploit new opportunities”.
Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia said that while the UK remained a “vital market” for the seafood industry, changing global circumstances had moved the diversification opportunity “centre stage”.
This scheme will support businesses to pursue potential growth opportunities in new regions and will ensure they are “fully equipped” to meet the market challenges ahead.
Minister Creed also reminded delegates that the UK’s departure from the EU will give rise to new requirements in relation to documentation, identity and physical checks on imports of animals, plants and products of animal and plant origin.
“With just five weeks to go until October 31, I am repeating my call to businesses trading in agri-food and fisheries products to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements for the commodities they trade in and [to] ensure they are registered with Revenue and my department.”
Registration procedures
- Register with Revenue for an Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification number
- Register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine if moving animals, plants, products of animal origin and/or products of plant origin (including wood and wood products) –
- Additionally, if you are importing animals or animal products you must Register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the EU TRACES system (this is an EU-wide IT system)
- €300m Brexit Loan Scheme
- 300m Future Growth Loan Scheme
- Bord Bia’s Brexit Barometer
Getting your Business Brexit Ready
Dedicated helpline: 076 106 4443
