A CO Antrim potato merchant has said its business could cease with immediate effect in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Portglenone-based James Donnelly and Sons Ltd is one of the north’s largest specialist potato suppliers.
The third-generation family-run business, which has been trading for over 50 years, said it is now in turmoil.
It’s among the local firms which import around 600,000 tonnes of ‘fry quality’ potatoes from Britain each year, most of which end up in the food service and takeaway sector.
Such varieties of potato are not typically grown in Ireland.
But if a trade deal is not achieved by December 31, Britain will attract ‘third country’ status. It means potatoes grown in Britain will be outside the EU regulation zone.
It will place significant road blocks in front of potato merchants.
It’s understood that Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots is engaging with his London counterpart George Eustace on the issue.
If no solution can be found, it could see merchants forced to look to the European continent for alternative supply lines. It could result in substantial costs and shortages.
Brendan Donnelly of James Donnelly and Sons said at least 40 jobs are at risk within the company.
“Without British potatoes, we will be unable to continue,” he said.
“These potatoes have a better balance, the dry matter and sugars are more suited for frying, which helps achieve the unmistakable crispness and flavour that is associated with traditional fish and chip shops here in Northern Ireland.
“Overnight this industry could potentially be non-existent.”
