Scotland's famous Aberdeen Angus cattle
Opportunities for Scottish companies to maintain their ÂŁ11.6 billion EU exports market will be jeopardised by Brexit, Europe Minister Alasdair Allan will highlight in Estonia today.
Dr Allan will restate the Scottish government’s commitment to safeguarding free movement of labour and access to a single market of 500 million people.
The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently unveiled plans to increase Scottish Development International presence in Europe to support Scottish companies.
A permanent hub will be established in Berlin and trade envoys appointed to promote Scottish exports, such as Scotch beef and lamb.
Europe Minister Alasdair Allan said: “There is a real risk that Scottish companies face a damaging loss of business if the UK leaves the single market. The priority is to protect Scotland’s interests at home and abroad. Single Market membership is a key priority for Scotland with over 40% of our exports going to the EU."
Farming unions have also reiterated that it is essential for the sector to maintain 'full, unfettered' access to the single market while having continued access to a 'flexible, competent and reliable' workforce.
In a joint statement, the four UK union Presidents said: “Agriculture supplies the building blocks to the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink.
“Worth £108bn and employing 3.9m people spread across every parliamentary constituency, the industry is bigger than the automotive and aerospace sectors combined.
“In common with other sectors of the economy, British farmers and food producers need the government to be acutely aware of what’s at stake for this vitally important industry and the UK economy as a whole."