Processors demand world class marketing body
Scotland’s seafood processors have challenged the usefulness of industry bodies Seafish and Seafood Scotland in promoting the country’s seafood.
According to the Scottish Seafood Association (SSA), which represents processors, Seafish has become remote to many in the sector.
The processors’ body has demanded an urgent review of both the government supported industry organisations Seafish and Seafood Scotland, reported The Fishing Daily.
Confused landscape
Seafish’s role has become blurred with that of other organisations in the sector, such as Seafood Scotland, ‘leading to a confused landscape of bodies with overlapping remits’, said the SSA in a paper designed to prompt debate on the issue.
SSA chief executive Jimmy Buchan said: ‘The seafood industry is on the cusp of new opportunities for all sectors: more fish caught, more landed, more processed and transported and sold across the UK and around the world.
‘To seize these opportunities and allow every part of our industry to thrive, we must ensure that our marketing of this world class product is equally world class.
Honest appraisal
‘That is why we need an honest appraisal of the structures, functions and funding of Seafish and Seafood Scotland.’
Processors are seeking a change in the way the bodies are funded – currently by a levy imposed on the processing sector, suppliers of imported seafood, farmers of shellfish and third-party commissioned projects. Salmon farmers operate outside Seafish and do not pay the levy.
The SSA suggested a percentage of turnover from those stakeholders who choose to subscribe should be levied instead.
It would then be ‘optional to join the organisation and use the marketing and brand, the technical resources, responsible fisheries management, environmental schemes and R&D programmes’.
