Scottish MPs have urged the UK Government to reassure farmers that maintaining existing livestock standards is a priority as Britain prepares to leave the EU.
Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael and the SNP’s Martyn Day have both backed a parliamentary motion on the issue.
Tabled by Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski, it calls on ministers to support the preservation of the UK’s “world leading” standards of animal health and welfare as Brexit unfolds.
It also stresses the importance of protecting against the “importation of livestock products produced to lower standards of health and welfare in other parts of the world”.
Northern Isles MP Mr Carmichael, who is one of the motion’s sponsors, said it represented a good opportunity for cross-party working “in the best interests of one of this country’s cornerstone industries”.
He added: “The prime minister says she wants other parties to become more involved in discussions about Brexit.
“This is her chance to see there is a need to reassure farmers and crofters that any future trade deals will not compromise on the quality and welfare of imported produce.”
Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Mr Day, who has also sponsored the motion, argued farmers deserved answers.
He added: “The UK Government got us into this Brexit mess – they now have the responsibility for reassuring farmers.”
He also maintained clarification was required as to what happens in terms of farm subsidy payments beyond 2022.
A Defra spokesman insisted there would be “no watering down of our food standards”, as Environment Secretary Michael Gove had made “absolutely clear”.
He added: “Leaving the EU provides us with a golden opportunity to set up new frameworks for supporting our farmers to grow more, sell more and export more great British food.
“We will remain global leaders in environmental and animal welfare standards and maintain our high quality produce at home and abroad.”
The motion also urges retailers, processors and consumers to support production standards by sourcing and buying British produce wherever possible.
