The Scottish Seafood Association has welcomed progress on tackling obstacles to seafood exports by the Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce and urged ministers in both the UK and Scottish government to maintain momentum.
SSA chief executive Jimmy Buchan, who is a member of the taskforce, said the post-Brexit landscape for processors had been horrendous, but noted that there was now a willingness to tackle the difficulties faced by the sector.
‘I’m particularly pleased that at the end of March a series of changes to simplify the Export Health Certificates system came into effect. While further work is required in this area, it is pleasing that the slow pace of the issuing of certificates has been recognised as a major issue and that this is now being addressed,’ he said.
‘The list of problem areas is long, extending to customs, catch certificates and border control posts. In order to achieve a substantial improvement in the situation, ministers north and south of the border need to keep working together and swiftly build on the progress made so far.’
The next and fifth meeting of the taskforce is on Friday 9th April.
