Seafood Scotland is to be recognised as the first-ever Inter-branch Organisation in the UK, and one of only five across Europe.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:
“Seafood is one of the most recognisable and iconic food products to come from these shores.
“There are however, a number of challenges facing the seafood globally and, here in Scotland, we feel that the industry more than ever, needs to work collaboratively to meet them.
“I am therefore delighted to announce our plans to recognise Seafood Scotland as the UK’s first ever Inter-branch organisation, which demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring the sector is fully supported and can work together effectively.
“With this recognition Seafood Scotland joins only five other Inter-branch organisations in Europe, giving formal recognition at EU level of the important role they play in leading the Scottish seafood industry with one voice.
“Credit is due to the industry for starting this process, demonstrating determination, innovation and leadership.
“I am confident that a partnership approach between Seafish, Seafood Scotland, the Scottish Government and industry will create lasting benefits and ensure a sustainable and profitable fishing and processing industry in Scotland.”
The purpose of an Inter-branch Organisation (IBO) is to promote collaborative working within an industry and give it a collective voice that promotes the common interest. Seafood Scotland already offered this service to the Scottish fisheries sector and so in recognising them as an IBO we are in affect ratifying their current structure and ensuring that this is recognised at a European level.
Others IBOs are:
Aquapicis (Spain) – represents the Spanish aquaculture industry
Interatun (Spain) – represents the Spanish tuna industry
Organizzazione Interprofessionale della Filiera Pesca ed acquacoltura in Italia (Italy) – represents the Italian aquaculture and fisheries industry
Comité Interprofessionnel des Produits de l’Aquaculture C.I.P.A (France) – represents the French aquaculture industry
The formation of IBOs in the fisheries sector was encouraged by a recent communication from the European commission to the European parliament and council on promoting the adaptation of the European Union fishing fleets to the economic consequences of high fuel prices’ which stated:
“Another imperative need for Community producers is to take into account changes in patterns of consumer habits and of distribution. A majority of products are now sold through the big distribution chains, which generally have a policy of buying in quantity on the basis of forecast demand. All the uncertainties over landings and the fragmented nature of the first-stage marketing sector are reasons why these major chains may avoid purchasing Community products. The setting up of inter-branch organisations can contribute to improve the situation.”
To assist the industry achieve greater collaboration and to address these challenges, the Scottish Government and Seafish has committed £1.3 million of additional funding to Seafood Scotland for each of the next three years. Seafood Scotland will act as the delivery partner for Seafish in Scotland.
