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Support promise for Scottish fishermen over Russia's food export ban Support promise for Scottish fishermen over Russia's food export ban
(about 17 hours later)
UK Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has pledged her full support for Scotland's fishing industry in response to Russia's food export ban.UK Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has pledged her full support for Scotland's fishing industry in response to Russia's food export ban.
The minister has branded the ban, which will particularly hit mackerel fishermen, "totally unjustified".The minister has branded the ban, which will particularly hit mackerel fishermen, "totally unjustified".
Russia is imposing a "full embargo" on food imports from the EU and US in response to sanctions over Ukraine.Russia is imposing a "full embargo" on food imports from the EU and US in response to sanctions over Ukraine.
Ms Truss said: "I want Scotland's fishermen to be assured the UK government is ready to support them."Ms Truss said: "I want Scotland's fishermen to be assured the UK government is ready to support them."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said work was already being done to open up new international fish markets.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said work was already being done to open up new international fish markets.
It is hoped new trade in the Far East and West Africa can fill some of the gap left by the potential loss of £16m of Scottish mackerel exports to Russia.It is hoped new trade in the Far East and West Africa can fill some of the gap left by the potential loss of £16m of Scottish mackerel exports to Russia.
Ahead of a visit to meet mackerel fishermen in Peterhead, Elizabeth Truss said: "I share the concerns of Scotland's fishing industry about the possible impact on their business.Ahead of a visit to meet mackerel fishermen in Peterhead, Elizabeth Truss said: "I share the concerns of Scotland's fishing industry about the possible impact on their business.
'Use our clout'
"We will continue to use our clout to lobby hard in Brussels on behalf of Scotland's world-class fishing industry.""We will continue to use our clout to lobby hard in Brussels on behalf of Scotland's world-class fishing industry."
DEFRA will work with the Scottish government to look at what support can be provided to mackerel fishermen while alternative markets are sought.DEFRA will work with the Scottish government to look at what support can be provided to mackerel fishermen while alternative markets are sought.
This could include helping with the cost of temporarily storing frozen fish and working with the industry to manage supplies and keep prices stable.This could include helping with the cost of temporarily storing frozen fish and working with the industry to manage supplies and keep prices stable.
They will also call on the European Commission to consider the merits of any potential World Trade Organisation case to ensure the rules of international trade are upheld.They will also call on the European Commission to consider the merits of any potential World Trade Organisation case to ensure the rules of international trade are upheld.
Export insurance Scotland's Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead held his first meeting with his UK counterpart since her recent appointment.
Scotland's Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead will hold his first meeting with his UK counterpart since her recent appointment. He said: "We had a constructive meeting and discussed the impact of the Russia trade embargo on Scotland's mackerel fleet and processors and ways we can help them deal with the immediate and longer term challenge the ban presents.
He said: "Although Russia only accounts for one per cent of Scottish food and drink exports, the trade embargo will pose challenges for our pelagic fishing sector in particular. "In particular, I highlighted it would be helpful for the UK to look at export insurance to help the industry with exports to Ukraine and to explore with the EU possible opportunities around banking of quota - as well of course as exploring new markets and increasing domestic demand with consumers and retailers.
"Up to 20% of the mackerel processed in Scotland is exported directly to Russia and so it is essential the UK government understands the disproportionate effect the Russian sanctions will have on this important Scottish industry. "All of which were areas targeted by the five point plan I agreed with the industry in Edinburgh earlier this week."
"Earlier this week I unveiled a five point plan aimed at protecting our pelagic industry and I am keen to explore further what levers the UK may have available to help us achieve this aim, such as export insurance. He added: "This is a really successful sector, used to dealing with changing market conditions and there are lots of avenues for us to explore.
"It is clear that there is no one solution to this complex situation, and that is why it is so important that the Scottish and UK Governments, together with pelagic fishermen and processors, work together to protect this sector from any significant impact." "So the most important thing is that we are fleet of foot and I look forward to pursuing all the options over the coming weeks."
The food ban represents 0.2 per cent of the UK's £18.9bn food exports.The food ban represents 0.2 per cent of the UK's £18.9bn food exports.
Products covered by the sanctions include poultry, pork, fish, dairy and vegetables.Products covered by the sanctions include poultry, pork, fish, dairy and vegetables.
A DEFRA spokesman said: "While we do not anticipate a significant overall impact to business, Scotland's mackerel industry is expected to be the most affected.A DEFRA spokesman said: "While we do not anticipate a significant overall impact to business, Scotland's mackerel industry is expected to be the most affected.
"We will continue to work closely with trade associations and the wider food industry to help them monitor the impact of this ban.""We will continue to work closely with trade associations and the wider food industry to help them monitor the impact of this ban."