Seafood exporters hit by Brexit red tape and delays will be able to claim up to £100,000 in compensation, the Government has said.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that it was putting in place a £23million compensation package for firms exporting fish and shellfish, including many in the South West, Scotland and the Humber, to the EU who can show they have suffered “genuine loss”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson originally disclosed the Government’s intentions after seafood hauliers arrived in Westminster on Monday, January 18, to protest at the terms of the Brexit trade deal which has left them struggling to access EU markets.
The introduction of new checks and paperwork since the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 has caused huge disruption to exports of fresh fish and seafood to the EU, with producers becoming increasing frustrated at the lack of Government action.
Defra said the scheme would be targeted at small and medium operators with payments made retrospectively to cover losses incurred since January 1.
The Government will consult with the industry across the 海角视频 on the eligibility criteria – as well as working with the devolved administrations – with details to be announced in the “coming days”.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “This £23 million scheme will provide crucial support for fishermen and seafood exporters, who have experienced delays and a lack of demand for fish from the restaurant industry in the 海角视频 and Europe.
“We are continuing to work closely with the fishing and aquaculture sectors to make sure that they are supported, and can continue to fish whilst contributing to the economies of our coastal communities.”
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The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay said: “This further £23million package of support will help our hardworking fishing sector navigate the challenges of the next few months.”
“It is vital that no community nor region within our United Kingdom is left behind as we continue to support British jobs and build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.”
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In addition to funding, the 海角视频 Government will provide further support to businesses in adapting to new export processes. Defra and HMRC will be offering targeted, proactive and hands on support to fisheries exporters to help them successfully meet the new requirements. This includes a new training package and focused workshop sessions.
Seafood exports to the EU require specific procedures, customs declarations, Catch Certificates and Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and businesses have adapted to these requirements at speed. As seafood is a perishable product with a ‘just in time’ supply chain, it is important that the sector can export quickly.
The 海角视频 Government said it has been working with the seafood industry and individual businesses to support them through this period and to ensure any errors or problems are tackled as early as possible. The situation has been improving over the past week and the flow of goods is improving, ministers said.
Separately, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also committed to providing a £100million fund to help modernise fishing fleets, the fish processing industry, and rejuvenate a historic and proud industry in the 海角视频, on top of the £32million that will replace EU funding this year.
The fishing industry has already been hit by the reduction in demand from the hospitality sector in the 海角视频 and other export markets as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic with market prices falling by as much as 40%.