Public and private sectors to boost £1 billion Scottish salmon industry

Scotland’s public and private sectors are to join forces this week when they travel to Norway as part of a new initiative to encourage further investment in the salmon farming industry.

Representatives from Scottish Development International (SDI), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) are to meet senior executives from both Scottish and multi-national salmon farming companies at the world’s biggest aquaculture event to outline the support for the sustainable growth of the sector.

Over the four days of AquaNor 2007, attended by all the major players in the salmon farming business, SDI, HIE and SSPO are to host a breakfast reception and a series of one-to-one meetings with many of the managing directors of companies based in Scotland and overseas parent companies.

Held in Trondheim between the 14th and 17th August, the meetings are part of a strategy designed to help companies meet the increasing UK and international demand for quality salmon products from Scotland. Further follow-up meetings with both Scottish and overseas investors are to be arranged over the course of the next few months.

Scotland is the third largest salmon producer in the world, generating a worldwide retail value of over £1 billion. The industry supports 8,500 full and part time jobs, many of which are located in remote, rural communities.

Highlighting the new Scottish Government’s support for both the joined-up approach to attracting further investment and the development of the salmon farming industry, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Mr Richard Lochhead MSP, said: “I am sorry that essential business in Scotland prevents me from joining the launch but I am delighted to support this ambitious initiative.

“It is critically important that we bring in further investment to this industry which plays a vital part in Scotland’s rural economy. I want to realise the potential to increase production in Scotland at suitable sites and within the carrying capacity of the environment. I am keen that we continue to build on the industry’s strengths and achievements for a sustainable and successful future.”

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of SSPO, said: “This is an enormously important initiative as it will inform future investment strategies. Salmon farming is a major part of Scotland’s rural communities, contributing significantly to social and economic growth over the last 30 years. To ensure the continuing sustainable development of our young and dynamic industry, we are keen to highlight the public sector and political support for the industry in Scotland.”

Jackie Wright, Director of business growth and research with HIE said: “Aquaculture plays a vital role in the Highlands and Islands and we recognise the importance of having both indigenous and global companies in our area. In addition, the industry helps to sustain many of the region’s more remote communities and HIE is keen to support it to prosper and grow here.”

David Smith, Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa at SDI, said: “AquaNor is one of the world’s biggest aquaculture shows attracting around 20,000 visitors from close to 50 countries, with 300 exhibitors representing more than 600 manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world. The salmon sector is a high growth industry and we would like to help the sector achieve its aspirations in Scotland.”

Notes to editors:

1. AquaNor 2007 is to be held between 14th - 17th August 2007 in Trondheim, Norway. The event covers the whole of the aquaculture supply chain including developments in the fields of technology, fish feed, fish health, quality assurance, research, training, funding, insurance, fish farmers network, grading, processing, packaging and distribution. Some 20,000 visitors from over 50 countries are expected to attend AquaNor 2007.
   
2. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation aims to represent salmon farming in regulatory and political matters. Industry members from mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland work together to ensure that the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s social, economic and commercial landscape is promoted, recognised and rewarded by its stakeholders.
   
3. Scottish Development International (SDI) works to attract inward investment and knowledge to Scotland in order to help the economy grow. SDI also works to help Scottish companies do more business overseas and to promote Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business. It is jointly operated by the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise. Its work is guided by the global connections theme of the Scottish Executive's Smart Successful Scotland strategy for economic development in Scotland.
   
4. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland has around 19,000 businesses, more than 440,000 individuals with skills and potential of their own - and more than 8,000 voluntary and community groups. The task of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network is to unlock that potential and help create a strong, diverse and sustainable economy. HIE's activities include: provision of business support services, delivery of training and learning programmes, assistance for community and cultural projects and measures for environmental renewal.
   

For further information, contact Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, 01738 587 006 / 07974 173739

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