The Scottish Government has announced £700,000 in funding to back an industry action plan to achieve a more profitable and sustainable seafood sector
A report from the Scottish Seafood Partnership, which brings together representatives from the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors, has identified six areas to further enhance the industry’s reputation and market reach.
These key areas include: positioning Scotland as a world leading provider of premium quality seafood; market development; collaboration and effective supply chains; providing excellent training and career opportunities; improving access to finances; and developing strategies to ensure the industry develops future leaders and promotes innovation.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Richard Lochhead, said, “Scotland’s seafood sector is already one of our great strengths and Scottish seafood has already achieved much in building its reputation as a product renowned the world over for its pristine quality.
“I’m fully behind the industry as a whole to take these actions forward, and to that end I am pleased to confirm Government investment of £700,000 between now and March 2015 to underpin this plan.”
Iain MacSween, chair of the Scotish Seafood Partnership, said, “The successful implementation of the recommendations in this report are so important to the entire seafood supply chain and we now have the opportunity to work together and push this crucial industry forward.”
