Investment returns to salmon sector

Progress must keep pace with international trends
Scotland’s global market share is in decline
Manifesto commitment can help Scotland hold its position in booming world market

Scottish salmon farmers are enjoying a period of renewed confidence as investment returns to the sector, according to the head of the industry’s trade organisation.

Speaking to business leaders at an event hosted by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) in Edinburgh today (Friday 1st June), Sid Patten, Chief Executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said: “The Scottish industry is growing in confidence with significant financial investment having been made during the last six months.

“Globally, salmon farming is making a significant contribution to meeting the growing worldwide demand for seafood, with close on half of all fish supplies now coming from farmed sources,” he added.

However, Patten cautioned that growth and progress must keep pace with market and international trends if the Scottish industry is to continue to bring huge economic benefits to remote, rural communities.

“Despite the increasing worldwide demand and the recent financial investments in Scotland, our industry is losing global market share as other salmon producing countries are expanding production and attracting investment at a much quicker pace, “ said Patten.

“As the new Government recognises that the industry must benefit from ‘smart regulation’, we are hopeful of more in-depth debate on the streamlining of the current regulatory framework.

“This will improve the competitiveness of the sector and help it to realise its potential in what is a high growth, global industry,” he added.

To enhance the sector’s major contribution to remote, rural communities and Scotland’s economy, the SSPO will now engage with new national and local political leaders in a bid to ensure a long-term sustainable and profitable industry.

“We will seek the backing of MSPs and Councillors from all shades of political opinion as well as local enterprise representatives to improve the current economic and regulatory climate with a view to encouraging increased capital investment,” Patten added.

Notes to Editors:

1. The aquaculture industry now accounts for 43% of fish consumed by people worldwide. In 1980, that figure was only 9%.

2. The Scottish industry increased its output in 2006, bringing to an end declines in production that started in 2004. Scotland is the third largest salmon farming nation in the world, with approximately a 10% share, but its market share is in decline.

3. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation is the trade organisation for the Scottish salmon farming industry. 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.

END

For further information contact either:
Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, +44 (0)1738 587006 or 07974 173739
Julie Edgar, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, +44 (0)1738 587000 or 0789 987 5151

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