Minister to 'unlock the potential' for Scottish aquaculture

Aim to encourage long-term expansion in rural Scotland

An international audience at the largest seafood event in the world have heard that the Scottish Government wants to “unlock the potential” for its aquaculture industry to grow.

During a series of meetings yesterday (April 23) with global salmon farming CEOs at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels, Minister for Environment Michael Russell outlined the Scottish Government’s ambitions for an expanding industry.

The Minister told the seafood business leaders that he was supportive of inward investment from the likes of Norway and that he backed the salmon industry in Scotland as an important contributor to the government’s goal of sustainable economic growth. He said that salmon farming is a valuable contributor to the rural economy and he wants it to be here to stay.

Mr Russell made it clear that his aim was “to encourage long-term expansion in rural Scotland making it a profitable area, with more people living there, employed in quality jobs and enjoying a good life.” However he cautioned that the salmon industry’s history of ‘boom and bust’ has not been helpful.

Mr Russell said: “Scotland has a significant role to play in European aquaculture and the industry contributes millions to our rural and overall economy. However I believe the salmon and, in particular, shellfish sectors can develop further, and help contribute towards sustainable economic growth in Scotland.

“To that end we welcome long-term inward investment which supports the sustainable future of salmon production in Scotland. Scotland has excellent conditions for Atlantic salmon and a skilled workforce, alongside a significant domestic market in the UK. Our aim is to build on Scotland’s premium reputation for producing some of the finest food in the world and capitalise on the demand for our produce in the future.”

Representatives from Scottish Development International, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO) attended the meetings.

The comments have been warmly welcomed by salmon industry leader, Sid Patten, Chief Executive of SSPO: “We are very encouraged to hear of the Minister’s support for the long-term future of salmon farming in Scotland. We are equally encouraged by his comments on how the industry can play a crucial and expanded role in promoting sustainable economic growth in rural economies in-line with the government’s ambitions.”

Sandy Cumming, Chief Executive of HIE, said: "Aquaculture, and salmon cultivation in particular, has forged an impressive industry path across the Highlands and Islands, but there is still significant potential for growth and diversification of this young industry. HIE fully supports the Scottish Government's proposals to take this sector forward which seek a symmetry between indigenous company interests, inward investors, the marketplace and the environment. It's this balance that will ensure a sustainable and profitable future for the sector in the decades ahead."

Lena Wilson, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Enterprise, said: "The aquaculture industries in Scotland and Norway have a global reputation for quality and we believe there is much to be gained by each working together to share ideas and pursue new business opportunities. This meeting follows an initial meeting held last year at the AquaNor event and we are delighted that relationships are being further cemented at ESE."

Notes to editors:

1. The Scottish aquaculture industry is valued in excess of £400million. One of the foremost food producing sectors in rural Scotland, the farm gate value is second only to beef at £467m, and ahead of fish catches at £370m, the sheep sector at £151m and the pig industry at £57m.
2. The European Seafood Exposition (ESE) is the largest seafood event in the world, with over 1600 exhibiting companies from 87 countries.
3. Mr Russell met many of the CEOs at an evening reception and ceilidh to showcase high quality Scottish food and drink. Scottish produce was prepared by top chefs in front of guests, who enjoyed a taste of Scotland.
4. 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.
5. The task of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network is to unlock the region’ 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.
6. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) represents 95% of salmon production. SSPO aims to represent industry members from the mainland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland to ensure that the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s social, economic and commercial landscape is promoted, recognised and rewarded by its stakeholders.

For further information, contact Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, 01738 587006 / 07974 173739.

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