15/06/2007

Salmon farmers are losing their share in the global market and are calling on politicians to back the industry.

The Scottish Salmon Producer’s Organisation (SSPO) are inviting new politicians from this year’s elections to visit their local salmon farm and help promote the industry.

Scotland currently produces about 130,000 tonnes of salmon, worth about £350 million a year. This is dwarfed by the Norwegian industry, which produces around 600,000 tonnes per annum. Norway’s salmon farming is growing at around 10% while Scotland’s is under 6%.

Sid Patten from the SSPO, said: "Confidence is returning to the Scottish industry after several recent investments made in rural communities. Despite the increasing worldwide popularity, our industry is losing global market share as other salmon producing countries are expanding production and attracting investment at a much quicker pace than Scotland."

The SSPO want higher levels of public investment in Salmon Farming. Currently around £4million is spent by government agencies on aquaculture research and development.