Thread by @faisalislam

Mixed loads fish exports (groupage) now further delayed.
exporting now a process requiring 26 key steps, rather than 1 page form...teething issue perhaps for eg single loads salmon, but this level of non tariff barrier permanent structural issue for others bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotla…

The structural issue is this - the UK chose GB to be a third country, with less agrifood alignment than eg NZ, and the EU’s strict import procedures for third countries are designed for niche exotic stuff mainly, not the mass import of perishable goods...

The negotiation clearly prioritised freedom [from the EU] over freeflow [of goods to it]..but Govt downplays latter, eg PM stating “there will be no non tariff barriers” and below on a visit to fishing communities ahead of GE19 “we don’t have unnecessary form filling”...

actual plan is freedom from EU regs/rules will allow faster innovation in for example genetic editing (consultation now live), trade elsewhere to offset these problems, & eventually more than offset.

But even accepting that, upsides take time, the issues are immediate/ visible..

interesting though that those visible issues concentrated in sectors which were supposed to yield immediate Brexit dividends... right now @scotfoodjames says fewer boats out, prices paid at market slump, less exports, & incredibly some boats now diverting landings direct to EU...

Not just a Scottish issue, we’ve heard similar stories from Wales and England - but how can this be dealt with?

Cash?
New markets? Not quickly enough see above..
Getting biz more prepared? Some not all problem.
Negotiating fewer checks/ veterinary agreement? Requires alignment.

Or assume problem doesn’t exist by saying “no non tariff barriers”, or that it’s relatively small problem on scale of economy (true)... though that is exact opposite of argument offered for past half decade. Also disproportionately affects Scotland just months before elections.

Other interesting developments ac to industry:

Irish/ N. Ireland fishing fleet can scoop up some catch not being caught by Scottish fleet & export directly to EU without red tape/ checks now applied

Fewer delays getting exports destined for France through French border checks

French would vehemently deny the latter point, but that’s what industry say they have experienced. Massive demand in French restaurants for GB shellfish transported within 24 hours.

Also quite naturally, this will mean we all have to eat more of what is fished here. Government-sponsored langoustine zoom cooking school?

Obviously less lucrative though than premium exports to top restaurants.

Meanwhile - Danish news back up what @scotfoodjames said about scottish boats choosing to land directly in EU at Hanstholm in Jutland, Denmark to avoid post Brexit red tape & low prices - doubling of activity 30-40% of fish sold there from scottish boats: altinget.dk/artikel/203419…