SCOTLAND'S rural affairs secretary is seeking reassurance that culinary delicacies such as Arbroath smokies, Stornoway black pudding and Orkney cheddar will continue to be protected under a new controversial transatlantic trade deal.
Richard Lochhead will tomorrow seek assurance from European officials that Scotland's products which currently have protected geographical indicator status (PGI) will be included in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
The TTIP is currently being negotiated to cut trade barriers between the US and EU markets, in industries ranging from energy and finance to clothing and food and drink.
Around ten products currently enjoy PGI status under EU law in Scotland, including Scotch beef, lamb and wild salmon. This means that products made in the region of origin are protected and others cannot be marketed as such.
Lochhead said he would seek European Council reassurance that TTIP will not reduce the level of food, health, environmental or labour standards in Scotland.
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