The Scottish seafood sector hits ‘rock bottom’ as continued delays at the ports, technology failure and an increase in bureaucracy threaten to make British export undesirable to EU customers.
The biggest challenges the food industry currently faces from Brexit include delays caused by the 'impenetrability of paperwork', the shortage of vets and customs officials and dealing with the island of Ireland.
UK seafood producers are being priced out of export markets by European competition, following continued delays at EU ports and poor preparation from Government, according to Scottish food trade bodies.
Post-Brexit disruption over paperwork and procedure is hitting supplies to Northern Ireland as well as seafood exports, with the Scottish industry saying it faces a perfect storm that could cripple its international trade.
The UK could face food shortages if key workers in the meat industry are not given priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the British Meat Processor Association (BMPA).
A trade deal has been agreed with the EU that sees the UK granted ‘third country’ listing status for exports of meat, dairy and other products of animal origin.
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has repeated a call to the government to place meat factory workers on the list of early vaccine recipients.
A range of “unique and complex factors” were responsible for strong livestock prices in 2020, according to Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).