The president of a French farming union has called for a 'hard border' between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit to prevent food entering EU markets too easily.
Christophe Hillairet, who has been president of the Chamber of Agriculture of Ile de France for over 10 years, said the British government will sign deals to import food from Commonwealth countries post-Brexit and that those products could then be transported across a future EU land border via Northern Ireland.
But the calls have been described as 'disappointingly self-centered' by the President of the Irish Creamery and Milk Supplier’s Association (ICMSA), John Comer.
Mr Hillairet said French farmers are very worried about the departure of the UK from the EU.
"Ireland is a big problem," he told Agra Europe.
"We will need to have a hard border between the North and the Republic as otherwise we will have lots of products that will cross from north to south.
"That would be very dangerous for our producers."
'Not helpful'
Mr Hillairet expressed fears to Agra Europe that lamb from New Zealand could arrive in Northern Ireland and cross a 'soft' border into the Republic of Ireland, before entering the mainland EU markets.
Prime Minister Theresa May sought to reassure Northern Ireland's political leaders last July that there would be no border checks for imported and exported goods.
Speaking before she left London, she said she viewed Northern Ireland as a 'special and valued part' of the UK.
Irish Creamery president Mr Comer said the only people enjoying Mr Hillariet's comments were anti-EU British eurosceptics.
"That must not happen, and with respect to our French friends, we would prefer them to reflect on the common good and not just on their own particular sectoral interests."
Speaking from Leinster House, Sinn Féin’s agriculture spokesman, Martin Kenny expressed deep concern at the remarks.
"We can assure him that Irish farmers do not want an influx of non-EU produce either, but it is a pity that, instead of listening to us and supporting designated special status for the North within the EU in order to secure the integrity of the customs union, he should take a Franco-centric approach.
"Calls for a hard border are not helpful."
