Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has highlighted the potential benefits to the Scottish beef market from Japan.
Speaking at Rural Affairs and Environment questions in the Scottish Parliament, Nanette Milne MSP said:
“The potential beef market in Japan is hugely significant and one which if the ban is lifted presents a great opportunity to help take forward the industry in Scotland and across the UK. Scottish farmers produce some of the best Scotch beef in the world and whilst the largest market for Scotch beef continues to be the rest of the United Kingdom I hope that moves to lift the ban in Japan can help the industry capture a significant part of the Japanese market.
“It is my understanding that the Japanese Food Safety Commission recommended easing restrictions on beef imports to allow animals 30 months and younger to be imported and that this was to be implemented early in 2013.
“It is vital that the SNP Scottish Government give their support to the good work being undertaken by the UK Government to secure the market and make preparations for the industry to promote Scotch Beef in Japan at the earliest opportunity.”