Richie Flynn to chair European shellfish federation

Mr Flynn is secretary of the Irish Shellfish Association for 12 years and was a member of the initial group that proposed the formation of a federation to represent shellfish producers’ interests in 2000.

 EMPA represents producers in 8 different countries who farm and market oysters, mussels, clams, scallops and other marine shellfish and which are worth around €850 million per annum to the European Union.

Taking on the 2-year position, Mr Flynn said, “EMPA complements the work we do at home by allowing producer representatives discuss important production, marketing and policy issues and arrive at a common position to take to the European Commission.

“EMPA has been intensively involved in shaping EU legislation impacting on shellfish producers, most importantly on biotoxins, consumer health, fish health and import regulations.”

EMPA lobbies in Brussels directly with EU institutions such as the European Parliament and also uses its position on the EU Commission’s Aquaculture Advisory Committee to liaise with other aquaculture, consumer and environmental bodies to input directly into new legislation.