Eugene McGrade was as shocked as anyone, he said with Friday’s UK referendum decision to leave the European Union.

“I’m still shocked at the decision and I’m amazed at how the Leave campaign convinced 52 per cent of the people that what we don’t know about is better than what we do know, and have known for 40 years,” he said.

“I’m absolutely shocked at the decision. NIAPA didn’t advise its members how to vote. Our position would have been that we were better off with what we have.” 

He feels that the beef, sheep and dairy sectors are all sectors of agriculture that need the Single Farm Payment from the EU and adds, “This two year period of transition to the new system will give time to see what lies ahead of us. But during the campaigning politicians for the Brexit assured us that there would be lots of money for agriculture. People have campaigned to have more local government decisions rather than directives coming from Brussels. But we will have to see if that works,” said Mr McGrade.

“If you believe the Leave camaign then this is a great win for everyone. They are telling us that things are going to get better, but I’m afraid I would be very sceptical. But I am still shocked by the result and don’t know what to expect,” said the NIAPA man.

“On balance the world economy is evolving. The European economy is also evolving with a huge population in developed countries and in western economies. Had we stayed in Europe it was going to change anyway and will continue to change as it has done over the past 40 years. You will see more countries from the east of Europe coming into the EU in the coming years,” he suggested.

“The future was never certain and there will be changes, development and we’ll evolve from where we are now, just the same as during the 40 years that Britain was part of it,” said Mr McGrade.

“When Britain signed up first nobody would have predicted how the European Union would have developed by 2016. But we are where we are now and we need the lobbying groups to get the best deals for the farmers,” he stressed.

“Personally I have great concerns for the future in terms of subsidies in the short term and the markets in the long term.

“I would prefer if there were no subsidies and farmers were given a fair price for their produce. That would do away altogether with subsidies. If the market returned a fair price for our animals it would mean we could operate within profitable limits.

“The price that the housewife pays for meat etc is much more than farmers get for their produce. You just have to look at the stickers on the meat counters and compare that to what the farmer gets when he sells it,” he said. 

“There is nobody taking on the processor or making legislation for a fair price for the farmers. If the processor took a smaller margin from the meat sold ultimately the ‘cake’ could be divided up more evenly.” he said.

He’s concerned that agriculture will not be given as much support as it has been, particularly in Northern Ireland.

“The Leave campaign has convinced the electorate to take a huge leap of faith and we don’t know where we’re going to land now,” he stressed.

“It still amazes me how they managed to convince 52 per cent of people that what we don’t know is better than what we do know and have known for 40 years,” he said