Scottish salmon production hits seven year high

The farmgate value of Scottish farmed salmon was £584.7 million last year – a year-on-year increase of 5.6 per cent, taking account of inflation. The rise in production of 2.5 per cent in 2011 follows steady increases over recent years. Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said he welcomed the continued growth in production and value in 2011. “We support the industry’s ambitions for sustainable growth – as demonstrated by our intention to bring forward an Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill – and we are working with them to keep the focus on minimising the impact on the marine environment and adopting best practices. More than 60 per cent of Scottish farmed salmon now has the RSPCA’s Freedom Foods accreditation, which is a great endorsement and selling point,” the monister said

Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said the year-on-year increase in both the value and production of Scottish farmed salmon is great news for the remote rural communities in the Highlands and Islands, the Scottish economy as a whole and the many suppliers to the sector whose businesses are benefitting from the salmon industry’s success. 

 “As it is the third successive annual increase we welcome the new Minister’s recognition of the important role that salmon farming is playing in developing and adding value to the Scottish economy,” Landsburgh said, but added:  

 “However, we remain intrigued to know how the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill will enable the industry’s ambitions for sustainable growth.”