New Workshop to Support Processors’ Export Skills to Third Countries

Seven Scottish red meat companies attended a workshop this week to develop their export trade in specific markets.

The technical workshop was organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in collaboration with The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Designed to help Scottish red meat companies develop their skills in exporting to third countries, the workshop featured expert speakers from each organisation who focused on the skills needed for international trade focusing on export certification for Third Countries.

The term ‘third country’ is used in trade treaties, and refers to a country that is not a member of the European Union. This meaning is derived from ‘third country’ in the sense of one not party to an agreement between two other countries. 

Within the context of Brexit these companies saw the importance to be more confident in export trade paperwork allowing access to valuable export markets.

Laurent Vernet, QMS’s Director of Strategic Engagement, presented a QMS overview and details of non-health certificates.

“Demand is strengthening for Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, with the value of exports of beef and lamb from Scotland increasing to over £80 million in 2017. It is important that our industry is in a strong position to welcome new export opportunities and give our processors the information and knowledge needed to develop their business,” said Mr Vernet.

He added: “Future and current Free Trade Agreements involve the use of specific paperwork that until now the Scottish red meat industry did not need. This workshop is the opportunity to strengthen this knowledge and confidence in using them.”