Two linked project bids were successfully submitted for funding from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF):
- £70,000 was awarded to Levercliff to quantify the potential market opportunities for farmed salmon, farmed trout, farmed shellfish (mussels and oysters), and other farmed finfish such as halibut. This work will allow producers to identify new market opportunities together with additional added value seafood dishes, and provide a complete market review for the sector. This project has now been completed and the final report is available online.
- Levercliff has also been awarded funding to deliver a supplier development programme to assist selected SME producers to identify, improve and develop sustainable trading relationships with a variety of retail/service customers.
It is envisaged that this work will allow all businesses to undertake more targeted business planning, whilst also demonstrating to retailers and lenders, the potential market size and value for Scottish Aquaculture product.
In addition, a £50,000 study of the prospects and opportunities for trout farming in Scotland has been awarded under the Contract Research Fund. This has been designed to:
- Better understand the trout farming sector
- Investigate why there is currently decreasing production in Scotland
- Analyse the opportunities and barriers to sustained development
- Detail mechanisms where growth in the sector might occur
More information is available on our Research pages.
The Marine Analytical Unit is in the process of gathering clear, independent, robust and up-to-date information to ensure the industry is recognised as a good investment opportunity. The information obtained may also be used to produce publications such as the "Fast Facts" data formerly requested by the Minister and officials.