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Scottish Government funding for seafood industry        26/2/14

 

Scotland’s seafood sector can position itself as a world leading provider thanks to its premium quality products, according to the Rural Affairs Secretary.

 

Richard Lochhead has announced £700,000 of Scottish Government funding to back an industry action plan to achieve a more profitable and sustainable seafood industry.

 

Key areas to further enhance the industry’s reputation and seafood sales aims to improve quality and standards as well as develop growing markets for seafood.

 

It plans to strengthen the supply chain, improve access to finances and review planning processes to ensure businesses can respond to commercial opportunities quickly.

 

A skilled workforce is also a main area with plans to provide excellent training and career opportunities for those with jobs in the industry and people interested in joining.

 

Mr 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.

 

“This plan places seafood firmly where it belongs – as an integral and central part of the success story which is Scotland’s food and drink sector. I’m confident it will build on this strong base to achieve an ever more sustainable and profitable seafood sector.”

 

Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil  welcomed the funding.

 

He said: “In our own islands, the seafood industry is vital to the economy and along with the rest of Scotland our seafood is highly regarded as being amongst the most delicious on offer and this funding boost will help take forward the six key areas identified by the Scottish Seafood Partnership. I will be looking for island producers to be involved and get benefits from this initiative.”