Processing News
‘We were let down’ say Scottish processors Scotland’s seafood processors have accused both the Westminster and Holyrood governments of letting the sector down “in its hour of greatest need” pay-outs be made? “We need to know, but we are greeted with silence on this at every turn.” He also accused There have the Scottish governbeen a lot of ment, which has set promises... up its own scheme to compensate seafood but very few producers and ports, have been for failing to use its delivered devolved powers or funds to help the processing industry. He said: “They have a £14m fund, yet there are no guidelines and the £100m funding application process scheme promised for in place. We know fisheries when the Brexit deal was signed only that all projects must be for SMEs and at Christmas would completed by 31 March work and which businesses would benefit. 2022 – far too tight a timetable for major He declared: “This works.” funding package now Buchan said it was looks like a convenient time for both govheadline designed to ernments to step up appease the sector. to the plate and back When will they start their promises with taking bids, who will meaningful action. be eligible, when will
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Above: Jimmy Buchan
JIMMY Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association said that while members welcomed the promise of financial support, the £23m Seafood Disruption Scheme for the seafood industry pledged by the UK government
to offset the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 only represented 50% of losses. It also excluded larger businesses and those exporters which decided not to send larger consignments because the cost exceeded the value.
He said: “The truth is that while the financial support that has been forthcoming has been gratefully received, its partial nature means that businesses are being left in great difficulties in their hour of greatest need.
“There have been a lot of promises relating to smoothing the export path post-Brexit, but very few of them have been delivered.” Buchan further criticised the UK government for failing to spell out how
Relay initiative launches a voyage of discovery THE variety and quality of UK seafood is the focus of an ini�a�ve launched in April to raise public awareness. The UK Seafood Relay celebrates UK commercial fishing and the special coastal community behind it. By collabora�ng with volunteers from around the country, the Relay will gather stories, photos and videos from key fishing towns to share with the Bri�sh public on a purpose-built, interac�ve map. The project, based around the Discover Seafood website discoverseafood.uk/uk-relay/, aims to foster a greater understanding of local seafood at a point in �me when support and recogni�on of the UK fishing industry is cri�cal. The Relay local journalists,
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bloggers, photographers and filmmakers, both hobbyist and professional, the relay ‘adventurers’ will travel along the UK’s dynamic coastline to gather stories from fishmongers and fishermen, and share them with the online Discover Seafood community. Gavin O’Donnell, Fisheries Programme Officer at the Fishmongers’ Company said: “The UK Seafood Relay will support Discover Seafood in its mission to educate the public about seafood, seasonality and sustainability, shining a light on the ‘faces of fishing’ that deserve to be put on the seafood map but as of yet remain ‘undiscovered.’ By telling the story of Bri�sh fish through the people and communi�es behind it, we want to encourage the public
to support the UK’s rich fishing culture and turn to local, sustainably-caught, Bri�sh seafood in the wake of Brexit.” Ka�e S�lwell, one of the relay’s first “adventurers”, said: “Taking part in the Relay has helped me to reconnect with the coastal community in my hometown. It’s a great privilege
to be able to share the stories of the people making a living through fishing sustainably and to engage a new audience through storytelling and crea�vity. I’ve met so many interesting characters and have learnt so much about the people who land the catch on my plate!”
www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk
10/05/2021 16:02:19
