Written by Iain Hoey
Livestock marts have said they will be ‘rocks’ for farmers as the end of the Brexit transition period grow nearer without any clarity over future trade relations.
With 26 per cent of Scottish lamb ales and 6 per cent of Scottish beef sale currently exported chiefly to the EU, livestock farmers are particularly at risk from trade disruptions.
The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has said that they are keenly aware of the possible impacts on their customers, and as auction marts they plan to be a rock of certainty for our customers, on what will likely be a bumpy road ahead.
“Our auctioneers will still be out on farm – Covid allowing – or at the end of a phone, offering a professional ear and sounding board.”Neil Wilson, executive director of the IAAS assured livestock farmers, adding that the organisation will continue to ‘lobby hard’.
“Few organisations talk to so many farmers on a regular basis. We will continue to use this unique insight to amplify farmers’ voices in parliament – both in Edinburgh and London. Because the job of Brexit is far from done, and soon the hard work of detailed policy building really begins,” he said.
Mr Wilson added that IAAS is also continuing to pressure government to enable trade between Scotland and Northern Ireland to continue as normal, rather than with the added burden of export health certificates, and is working to ensure that to ensure producers aren’t taken advantage of in future trade deals..
“So whatever comes down the tracks in the next few months, lean on us, talk to us, because your local mart has your back.”
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