The UK’s new Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle, has paid a visit to Newlyn to meet face to face with Cornwall’s fishing industry and wider seafood sector.
This visit follows the changes in the cabinet, and comes at a criticial juncture relating to decisions within the current UK EU negotiations, developing the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, as well as the expected outcome from the stage 3 of marine protected area consultation.
‘This visit was a chance to reinforce the true value of seafood to Cornwall and it was positive to present the Minister with so many solutions and opportunities. The one fisherman to fifteen seafood supply chain job ratio in Cornwall is exactly why the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund matters so much, and why backing the Cornish pilot would deliver the greatest return for public investment,’ said
CFPO CEO Chris Ranford.
‘But to unlock that potential we also need a genuine shift in policy direction that gives the fishing and seafood sector the space to grow. It is now time for action from the Minister and Cornwall is well placed to lead the change.’
Accompanied by senior DEFRA officials, the MMO and the NFFO, the Minister was given a full net-to-plate tour of Newlyn, startng with an early walk through the fish market that showcased the range, volume, and value of Cornish seafood and its importance to national food security. A stop at fish merchant and processor business Cornwall Fish Direct highlighted opportunities to grow domestic consumption and promote the positive health benefits a seafood diet offers our nation.
‘It has been invaluable to visit Newlyn’s fish market, auction and quayside this week, and to speak directly with fishermen and seafood businesses about opportunities ahead for Cornwall’s fishing industry. The diversity of fleet, fish and buyers in Newlyn is a real strength, and understanding how we source the fish on our plates is vital to ensuring transparency across the food chain,’ the Minister commented.
The Minister met skippers across the inshore and offshore fleet, hearing directly about the need for better management of our inshore grounds, and gained insight into the challenges of mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea. She also met members of the Young Fishermen Network and signed their campaign buff in support of their new four point manifesto that focuses on training, mentoring, help to buy and creating fishing opportunities for the next generation. A final pitstop was made at Harveys Shellfish merchants to discuss the importance of developing and implementing shellfish management, as well as wider issues and opportunities on trade.
‘Cornwall is the best place in the country for our political decision makers to build their understanding of the fishing industry. Standing on Newlyn fish market floor or the deck of a working boat cuts through the complexity. The Minister saw first hand the pride, passion, and professionalism of Cornish fishermen. With major consultations and negotiations surrounding us, this visit could not have come at a more important moment and we look forward to some more positive outcomes this year and next,’ commented CFPO Chairman Paul Trebilcock.
