Switzerland agreement good news for Scotland
An EFA press release by Ian Hudghton MEP (SNP)
A new agreement between the EU and Switzerland to safeguard distinctive national products will be good news for Scotland's economy according to SNP MEP and Party President Ian Hudghton.
The EU and Switzerland this week completed an agreement to safeguard each other's Geographical Indications for agricultural products and food. This is especially significant for Scotland given that Switzerland is regularly listed amongst the top ten export destinations for Scottish produce.
This means that the likes of Arbroath Smokies, Scottish Wild Salmon, Scotch Beef and Shetland Lamb will enjoy enhanced protection in a key export market for Scotland.
Welcoming the agreement, the SNP MEP said:
"Switzerland has been an important export market for Scottish produce for a number of years and this agreement will help consolidate that partnership.
"It will mean additional safeguards and protection in Swiss markets for Scottish produce that enjoys EU protection through the Geographical Indications arrangements.
"Switzerland is consistently amongst our top ten export destinations and was worth about half a billion to the Scottish economy in 2009. This agreement will help us build upon an important and valuable trading relationship
