Stronger national and local representation the key drivers to new agreement
Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) and Shetland Aquaculture, formerly Shetland Salmon Farmers’ Association, have reached a formal agreement to provide a full regional office service for SSPO in Shetland.
Sid Patten, Chief Executive of SSPO, said: “Stronger national and local representation are the key drivers for this agreement. It will help the industry become more inclusive and efficient when dealing with the many challenges that it faces.
“The new structure will seek to build on the already excellent relationships that Shetland Aquaculture has with industry stakeholders, working with policy makers, planners and scientific researchers to reinforce the huge benefits that salmon farming can deliver to the quality of life for the islands,” he added.
David Sandison, General Manager of Shetland Aquaculture and now new Company Secretary of SSPO, noted: “The new arrangement will maintain a strong regional presence as well as ensure Shetland’s interests are well represented at a national level.
“It will bring added value and strengthen the industry support mechanisms, with greater access to technical expertise on a range of subjects covering fish health and welfare and guidance on compliance with the industry’s Code of Good Practice, as well as more co-ordinated communications.
“As a major private employer and a mainstay on which many businesses are dependent, this is an excellent strategic move for the islands salmon farmers,” he concluded.
Shetland Aquaculture will continue to act as a representative body for all other aquaculture producers in the Shetland Isles.
Notes:
1. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation aims to represent salmon farming in regulatory and political matters. For the first time, industry members from mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland have joined together to ensure that the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s social, economic and commercial landscape is promoted, recognised and rewarded by its stakeholders.
2. Shetland Aquaculture represents farmers of various species including cod, halibut and salmon, as well as feed companies, hatcheries and sales companies. Shetland Aquaculture was formerly known as Shetland Salmon Farmers' Association. The name change reflects the significant developments that the aquaculture industry in Shetland has experienced over the last few years.
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For further information contact either:
Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, +44 (0)1738 587000 / 07974 173739
David Sandison, Shetland Aquaculture, +44 (0)1595 695579 / 07801 792830.
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