Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation calls for Industry “Code of Good Practice” to get more prominence in Aquaculture Bill

In its response to the Scottish Executive’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill Consultation, which closes today, the new Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) has stressed that the industry’s “Code of Good Practice” should get more prominence when the Bill goes to Parliament in June.

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of the SSPO, said, “The industry welcomes the broad objective of the proposed Bill in so far as it is intended to act as a legal ‘backstop’ should any companies fail to meet the industry’s standards of good practice. But we believe a voluntary approach through the industry’s robust and independently audited Code of Good Practice (CoGP) is the most flexible and cost-effective means of achieving a sustainable aquaculture industry and we are calling on MSPs to support the Code as a credible, dynamic and modern reflection of good aquaculture practice.”

The Code of Good Practice has been effective since 1st January this year and salmon farmers throughout Scotland have been quick to show their commitment to the initiative which will allow them to demonstrate the high standards of husbandry, welfare and environmental responsibility to which they operate. Compliance with the Code’s 300 points will be independently audited by UKAS-approved Inspection Services.

Described by Sid Patten as a major achievement for Scottish fish farming, he believes the Code clearly demonstrates the progress made in Scottish aquaculture over the last 10 years. “It represents the most comprehensive and open exercise of its kind ever undertaken by any food producing industry in the UK as it was developed in consultation with all interested parties from Government, environmental NGOs, wild fish interests and the public. This kind of commitment to the future of our industry and its thousands of employees is confirmation that salmon farmers have earned their rightful place as a major player in Scotland’s economic landscape.”

The industry is planning an official launch event for the Code of Good Practice later this month as part of its drive to promote the achievements and progress of Scottish salmon farming in the past 10 years.

To view the SSPO response to the Consultation Paper for the draft Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill click here

Notes to Editors:

1. A PDF version of The Code of Good Practice and a full copy of the SSPO’s response to the Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill can be found at www.scottishsalmon.co.uk

2. A background briefing on the Code of Good Practice is attached: Background Briefing on CoGP

3. SSPO - For the first time, industry members from mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland have joined together as the new Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation to represent salmon farming in regulatory and political matters and to ensure that the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s social, economic and commercial landscape is promoted, recognised and rewarded by its stakeholders.

Ends 3rd March 2006

For further information or to arrange an interview contact SSPO:

Julie Edgar 01738 587000 or 0789 987 5151.

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