Scotland's Salmon Farmers Welcome Post-Brexit Trade Deal, But Challenges Remain

Strategic Insights -

The announcement of a "decisive breakthrough" on a post-Brexit deal by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been welcomed by Scotland's salmon farmers, who have faced significant challenges since the UK's departure from the European Union. Despite these challenges, the sector has continued to thrive, with sales of fish grown in cold waters off the Highlands and Islands reaching £578 million in the calendar year, with France leading the global demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK's departure from the European Union has been "challenging" for Scotland's salmon farming sector, which made up one of the UK's biggest food exports last year, with sales totaling £578 million.
  • The sector has faced challenges including "extra red tape, delays at the Channel, and continued labour shortages" since Brexit.
  • Despite these challenges, sales of Scottish salmon to European destinations have continued to grow, with France being the top destination at £305m, followed by Ireland at £12m.
  • The proposed agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol has been welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce, which believes it could help drive growth for both Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
  • The agreement includes the creation of a new green lane for goods destined for Northern Ireland, which will reduce the need for hundreds of certificates for every lorry.
  • Food retailers will no longer need certificates for every lorry, and food made to UK rules will be able to be sent to and sold in Northern Ireland.

Statistics:

  • £578 million: Sales of fish grown in cold waters off the Highlands and Islands in the calendar year.
  • £305m: Sales of Scottish salmon to France in the calendar year.
  • £12m: Sales of Scottish salmon to Ireland in the calendar year.
  • £12m: Amount of AU (Adjustable Units) of food that will not require certificates for Northern Ireland.
  • 100s: Number of certificates required for every lorry under the previous arrangement.

Sources:

  • "Scotland's salmon farmers welcome post-Brexit trade deal" ( BBC News)
  • "Scotland's salmon farmers face extra red tape and delays after Brexit" (The Guardian)
  • "UK and EU reach new trade deal" (The Telegraph)
  • "British Chambers of Commerce welcomes trade deal" (BBC News)