Representatives of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) are calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to oppose an agreement to allow Norway duty free exports of mackerel and herring to EU member countries.
They argue that such a deal would undermine the Scottish mackerel industry and that it is totally inappropriate when traditional and important Scottish export markets are in a weakened state.
Ian McFadden, chairman of the SPPA said: “We believe a number of member states have objected and have also highlighted the fact that they have not been engaged in these initial discussions. We would strongly urge the Scottish and UK governments to oppose any such deal.”
SPPA said that the background to the depressed Scottish mackerel industry is for a variety of different reasons. Firstly, the prolonged import ban from Russia on all EU food imports is having a negative effect.
Secondly, back in December, bi-lateral talks between the EU and the Faroe Islands failed to respond to calls for downward adjustments to Faroese access to mackerel in European Union waters. The SSPA said that this access puts the Scottish industry at a competitive disadvantage in global markets.
Lastly, the association said that the Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement with Turkey creates a competitive disadvantage in global markets. Scotland is excluded from that market thanks to a 50% tax on all mackerel imports to Turkey from EU countries.
The new agreement between Norway and the EU, which is being publicly applauded by the Norwegian Seafood Alliance, Seafood Norway, and Norwegian Fisheries Minister, was reached earlier this month but is still to be ratified by the European Parliament.
