This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fish farming crucial to economy
10/09/2003
Aquaculture is crucial to the Scottish
economy and Scotland's rural communities according to Allan
Wilson, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural
Development.
The Minister was speaking during a
debate on the Executive's Strategic Framework for
Aquaculture.
Mr Wilson said:
"The Executive's Partnership Agreement
makes clear that we are committed to supporting an
aquaculture industry that is sustainable, diverse and
competitive.
"The industry provides in excess of
6,000 jobs across Scotland. These jobs are the lifeblood of
many of our rural communities, in the Highlands and Islands
and many other parts of Scotland.
"To compete
effectively in
the volatile
European market, the Scottish industry has to continue to
scrutinise production costs, invest in modern, efficient
plant and equipment and have a highly trained and motivated
workforce.
"
I have been especially
concerned by the decline in salmon market
prices,which hasbeen occurring
overmany
months,and
the negative knock-on
effect this has had
on
company res
ults. I believe w
e must continue to
monitor the markets
closely and working together
with the industry, the
DTI and the European
Commission
,
identify
ways to
bring
stability
back to the
markets.
"
I alsointend thatthe Executive-andI hope theindustry-will maintain a
dialogue withthe other salmon
producing countries, especiallyNorway. A
lthoughweare incompetit
ion,we
should also
cooperate wherever
possible.
"In March this year I launched the
Strategic Framework for Aquaculture. The work to implement
it is well underway both by the Executive and other
stakeholders.
"Early progress has included the
establishment of the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum,
the development by the industry of an Exports Action Plan
and the development of new codes of practice on issues such
as fish health, best environmental practice, containment on
fish farms and health and safety.
"We have made an impressive start,
however this is only the beginning of the process. Next
spring we will reconvene a working group of the key
regulators and stakeholders to assess progress and monitor
future activity.
"I want Scotland to have a
sustainable, diverse, competitive and economically viable
aquaculture industry and the strategic framework is the
vehicle to achieve this."
Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for
Environment and Rural Development, launched the Strategic
Framework for Aquaculture on 24 March 2003.
The Minister has committed annual
investment from the Executive of £100,000 to support the
establishment of a Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum.