SCOTTISH producers need assurances that geographical indicators and protection of Scotland’s food and drink brands will continue under the post-Brexit trade deals being sought by the UK Government.

Writing to the UK ministers responsible for Brexit planning, Scotland's rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing highlighted conflicting reports of the UK's negotiating position with regard to Protected Food Names.

"The lack of clarity being shown by the UK Government, coupled with the frequency in which the media is reporting apparent future trade deals being discussed where GIs are either an afterthought or not deemed to be important, is creating some real concerns from many stakeholders across Scotland," said Mr Ewing.

"Indeed, the recent evidence provided by Mr Gove at the Rural Economy Committee of the Scottish Parliament and reference to 'forms of protection' rather than confirming a GI system has only added to this lack of clarity.

"The comment during the evidence session that the rest of the EU hold many, many more GIs than the UK, while factually true, masks the value of our products holding GI status such as Scottish Farmed Salmon, Scotch Beef and Scotch Whisky."

Mr Ewing said that the industry now needed 'concrete assurances' from the UK Government that it recognised the economic importance of PGI labels, and would give them their rightful place at the forefront of future trade negotiations.

"Your Government has said on many occasions that the future trade policy of the UK must reflect the needs of all parts of the UK and that it will take an inclusive approach to the development of policy and future trade agreements," said Mr Ewing. "Indeed, a UK Government consultation paper last October ‘Preparing for our future UK trade policy’ specifically said that devolved administrations, legislatures and others 'must have the opportunity to engage with and contribute to our trade policy', but there has been little or no sign since that your government are serious in this.

"For Scotland, the inclusion of GIs in trade deals is not only a need, but a pre-requisite; after all we are home to some of the highest value GIs in Europe," he stressed.

"As you are more than aware, we have been critical of the failure by the UK Government to put forward any UK GIs for inclusion in the CETA deal with Canada and a lack of consultation around other deals such as Mercosur and Mexico.

"Coupled with the absence of any reference whatsoever to food and drink from your recent statement on trade collaboration with Hong Kong, it gives the impression that your Government cares little for this sector," said Mr Ewing.

"We therefore urge you and your Government to set the record straight and commit to not only guaranteeing continued protection for current holders of GI status, but also providing the assurance being desperately sought by stakeholders that protection for our iconic products will be integral to future trade deals."