Ewing calls for assurance on protection for Scottish produce after Brexit

The rural economy secretary is calling on the UK Government to make clear that Brexit will not mean the end of EU-wide protection for Scottish produce.

The current system of EU Geographical Indications (GIs) ensures that only products from a particular region can be badged as such and prevents products such as Scotch Whisky, Arbroath Smokies, and Stornoway Black Pudding from being imitated by others.

Fergus Ewing has raised his concerns about the issue in a letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove.

In his letter, he said that Mr Gove's assertion that GI products will maintain their protected status in Europe and associated territories regardless of the UK leaving the EU does not square with the guidance published by Mr Gove's Department in a Technical Notice.

The note, updated in February 2019, states that if the UK leaves with no deal, it's possible that the EU may not continue to protect UK GI products and says that in the event of no deal producers will need to be prepared to apply to the European Commission to regain EU protection and the right to use the EU GI logo.

In his letter, Mr Ewing writes: "We maintain our view that should the UK Government exit the EU and not recognise existing European GIs, which is the current position in the drafted legislation, then there is a very real risk that the EU would not recognise the UK GIs in the longer term, even if initially they may retain that protection.

"That is the exact scenario that your Department's guidance warns producers about.

"At the Scottish Affairs Committee you were quite clear that this will not happen so, once again, could you explain this apparent contradiction in messaging from your department, and clarify unequivocally that this is not a threat for our GI producers?

"If you are so convinced that there is no threat to our GI producers, will you be amending your guidance?"

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been asked for comment.