Salmon Scotland comment on Prosper call for salmon farming growth. Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, comments after Prosper called for sustainable growth in salmon farming to be made a national economic priority.
In a newly published paper the cross-sector membership alliance, which aims to strengthen Scotland’s economy, called for more efficient and predictable planning, consenting, and regulatory processes to support investment, innovation, and rural jobs.
It also called for action to support growth in salmon farming and the role it plays in sustaining rural and island communities.
Salmon Scotland is the trade body for the UK’s biggest food export and most popular fish, supporting 11,000 jobs in Scotland and generating £1 billion a year for the economy.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:
“Prosper has added an important voice to the growing consensus that Scotland should back the responsible growth of salmon farming. This is a sector that supports jobs, investment, and economic activity in some of Scotland’s most fragile communities, while producing one of Scotland’s greatest export success stories.
“As the paper highlights, Scotland has an opportunity to build on that success. If we want to attract investment, support innovation, and deliver sustainable growth, we need a regulatory system that is efficient, predictable, and fit for purpose. That would benefit communities, businesses, and the wider Scottish economy.”
Scottish salmon is the country’s most popular fish and the UK’s biggest and most valuable food export, with international sales of more than £800 million to nearly 50 countries annually.
The salmon sector adds £1 billion a year to the UK economy. Producers spend more than £714 million with 3,600 Scottish suppliers. More than 2,460 people are directly employed in salmon farming across Scotland, with around 11,000 jobs supported in total. Production around the west coast, highlands and islands of Scotland provides around 850 million healthy, nutritious meals every year.
Salmon Scotland represents the Scottish salmon sector. We are a source of trusted information and represent our members’ interests in Scotland, across the UK, and internationally. More information: www.salmonscotland.co.uk.
Image: Salmon Scotland