With the current turmoil at Westminster, the prospect of a no-deal Brexit is getting more likely day by day. While it would still be no surprise that something is agreed at the 11th hour, the Scottish agri food industry has little option at present, but to try and prepare for whatever a no-deal Brexit might bring.

Of most concern to farmers is that in the event of no deal, and the UK moving to trade under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, the British government decides to keep food prices down by allowing imports into the country tariff free.

So perhaps we can take some comfort from the fact that Defra in London has been contacting agri food companies about setting up a quota system for imports.

It would give firms a licence to import certain products tariff free so that operations in factories could continue.

The quota system would mean that current EU tariffs for other goods would remain and only certain amounts could enter the UK tariff free. Effectively, the proposed system is being designed to stop the UK food industry being totally undermined after Brexit.

However, there is a significant risk that quotas would eventually be extended or increased for other products.

The other pressing concern for food companies, particularly those exporting outside Great Britain, is the situation around export health certificates, which will be required, assuming the UK exits on 29 March.

At present, EU certificates accompany exports of all animal-based products from the UK. They are specific for individual products and for each export market, meaning there are around 1,400 versions of EU certificates for over 150 countries.

It is understood that Defra has contacted our top 15 UK export destinations, to pave the way for trade to continue.

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