Leaving the European Single Market would be 'disastrous' for Scotland’s farming and food sectors, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has said.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the threat yesterday (22 January) of leaving the European Single Market on food and farming industries.
He said Scotland values the contribution that non-UK EU nationals bring to the economy and society, 'unlike the UK Government does.'
As millions of people prepare to celebrate Burns Night on January 25 by enjoying Scottish food and drink, Mr Ewing has called for protection of access to markets for Scottish producers.
The EU is Scotland’s biggest overseas regional food and drink export market, with exports of food and drink worth £2 billion in 2015.
'We cannot ignore the impact'
Mr Ewing said: “We simply can’t ignore the disastrous impact that leaving the Single Market, and the 500 million people within it, could have on our food and drink sector.
“One example of the threat that the hard Brexit, outlined this week by the Prime Minister, poses for our wider economy can be seen in the Scottish potato, a staple part of any Burns supper.
The value of Scotland’s potato sector is £167 million, and currently exports Scottish potatoes to EU markets, tariff free, whilst relying on free movement of people for all stages of production and retail, including growing, harvesting, storing, transporting and selling.
'Devastating for Scotland'
Mr Ewing continued: “A ‘Hard Brexit’ would be devastating for Scottish agriculture and the many food companies which rely on Scottish produce.
“Potentially, they face both high tariffs of up to 50% and loss of subsidy support. It may also put at risk Scottish protected food names which give confidence to consumers, and the common regulatory frameworks which help maintain food safety, animal and plant health standards and guarantee access to EU markets and many other countries.
“Potentially worst of all would be the impact on the labour market. In 2014, almost 40% of people employed in the UK Food and Drink Manufacturing sector were foreign-born, with the majority of these from within the EU.
Mr Ewing concluded: “Unlike the UK Government, we value the contribution that non-UK EU nationals bring to our economy and society, contributing to sustainable economic growth, mitigating the effects of demographic change and enriching our culture and communities.
