I WRITE in response to your article on the threat to the protected status of some of our renowned global food brands (“Protected food brands endangered by Canadian trade deal blunder”, The Herald, September 11).
The failure of the UK and Scottish governments to extend protected status for Scottish food and drink is a missed opportunity, rather than a failure.
Geographical indicators offering legal protection on traditional products such as Stornoway black pudding and Arbroath smokies remain valid inside the EU, with or without the EU-Canada trade agreement (Ceta).
Ceta cannot undermine traditional Scottish products in Europe, however it could offer an opportunity for these protections to be extended to Canada.
For all the hot air from the UK and Scottish governments about defending the national interests, it appears neither bothered to push for many Scottish or UK products to be included on the protected list.
Thankfully more products can be added in the future, but will either government explain why it let this opportunity slide, given the enormous potential for the quality Scottish food and drink industry in the Canadian market?
David Martin,
Labour MEP for Scotland,
Unit 43, Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian.
IT is unacceptable that a blunder by UK Government ministers has meant that some of Scotland’s globally respected food brands may not be properly protected under a free trade deal being ratified between the EU and Canada. Producers have fought long and hard to gain protected status recognition within the EU and it seems incompetence on the part of those who are supposed to look after our interests may open the door to Canadian imitations. The omission is a gift to those who claim that an independent Scotland is the only way to ensure the safeguarding of things that we cherish and hold dearest.
Bob MacDougall,
Oxhill, Kippen, Stirlingshire.
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