CALL FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH SEAFOOD SECTOR

Call for more support for Scottish seafood sector

Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, says it is vital that the UK and Scottish Governments throw their full support behind the Scottish seafood processing sector.

In his introduction to this year’s Scottish Seafood Association’s Yearbook and Diary, Mr Buchan highlighted a wide range of challenges facing the sector.

He wrote: “The one thing all businesses crave is stability – and that has been in precious short supply in recent years following Brexit, Covid and now the ramifications from the war in Ukraine.

“This has resulted in an especially difficult time for the seafood sector as it endeavours to supply the UK and export markets against a background of an unpredictable market, labour shortages and soaring energy and other inflationary costs.

“As such, it is vital that the UK and Scottish Governments throw their full support behind the seafood sector and the wider economy and business community. Rising inflation is a particular concern for us – not only in the direct cost impact of running a business, but also the resultant squeeze in consumer expenditure, which has the potential to reduce demand.

“Our Association has worked hard to forge a good relationship with the UK and Scottish Governments in recent years, and with a new Prime Minister and Cabinet in place at Westminster, now is the time for ministers to step up to the challenge and fight our corner with renewed vigour.

“Key aims for government should be to tackle inflation and to provide direct support to the seafood and business sector to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. Recent events have dramatically shown us that energy security and food security are two national strategic priorities of the highest order, and failure to deliver on these keystones will inevitably result in economic turmoil and uncertainty. 

“With regards to inflation, our seafood processors need a level playing field to compete in the export market. If UK inflation is higher than in other countries, or we are not receiving the same level of business support as European seafood processors are, then we are immediately put at a competitive disadvantage.  The aim should be to have measures which ensure that our sector can thrive, rather than just survive.

“Labour supply is also constraining the Scottish seafood sector. Whilst the use of robotics and other sophisticated processing technology is likely to be heavily utilised in the future, this is not yet currently the case, and our industry need a good supply of easily available labour during this transition period to ensure we operate at our full potential. It is an issue that also needs turning on its head – whilst advanced processing technology must be embraced – there also needs to be a drive to ensure that seafood processing is seen as a desirable industry to work in, with good career prospects and opportunity for personal development. Government can aid this, but we also need to recognise our own responsibilities in ensuring this happens.

“Hopefully, the coming year will bring some light on the horizon and enable our great industry to move forward with renewed confidence. As recent events have highlighted, the protection of the food sector is of utmost importance – and no more so than seafood, which is sustainable, nutritious and delicious.  We have so much in our favour – all we need are the right conditions for us to successfully operate.”