MP and the MPs of the
Scottish Affairs committee yesterday (10.09.18) heard that a no
deal Brexit could be “game over” for Scottish beef and lamb
exports to Europe.
The Committee meeting in Glasgow took evidence from
representatives of the Agriculture and Food industries at their
meeting in Glasgow.
Evidence was given by representatives of NFU Scotland, the
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the Food and
Drink Federation Scotland and Scotland Food & Drink.
Ms Jardine asked the experts to quantify what a no deal Brexit
would mean for the food and drink industry.
James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink
advised that in his view, World Trade Organization tariffs
would be “game over” for Scottish beef and Lamb. Jonnie
Hall, Director of Policy and Member Services at NFU Scotland
added that beef and lamb are the backbone of Scottish
agriculture.
Ms Jardine said: “The evidence the committee was presented this
morning was bleak. There is great concern from food
producers that a no deal Brexit will be catastrophic for their
businesses.
“Nobody voted to be poorer or to threaten the Scottish
Agriculture sector, which we are rightly proud of.
“We demand better for Britain and Scottish agriculture.
Ends
Evidence was given to the committee by:
Jonnie Hall, Director of Policy and Member Services, NFU
Scotland
Sarah Baker, Strategic Insight Manager, Agriculture and
Horticulture Development Board
Cat Hay, Policy Manager, Food and Drink Federation
Scotland
James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food &
Drink
