Union chief seeks talks over future trading partners post-Brexit

Farmers union NFU Scotland (NFUS) has called for a meeting with Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox.

In a letter to the Westminster politician, NFUS president Andrew McCornick has asked for equivalence in standards and no “trade shocks” once the UK leaves Europe.

“Following on from the UK Government’s talks with Australian and New Zealand officials, I have extended an invitation to Mr Fox to meet me to discuss the UK Government’s position towards future trading partners,” said Mr McCornick.

“We need to make sure that we are seeking the best possible deal for farmers when negotiating trade agreements with foreign nations.”

He said farmers and crofters were the “bedrock” of the Scottish food and drink sector, which was the biggest income generator to the economy.

“It is vital that discussions on future trade deals do not take this for granted,” he added.

“I can say in no uncertain terms that the economic prosperity of the islands, villages and towns across Scotland and the UK are linked to profitable food production.”

Mr McCornick said NFUS was seeking international trade deals that did not undercut Scotland’s extremely high standards of production, which enables farmers to maximise the provenance of Scottish products – a unique selling point in foreign markets.