![The Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood, Edinburgh. More than half of MSPs say they know a fair amount about fish farming.](https://image.fishfarmingexpert.com/1204242.webp?imageId=1204242&width=960&height=532&format=jpg)
Salmon farming winning Holyrood hearts and minds
A poll of Scottish MSPs has found that attitudes towards the Scottish salmon farming sector improved last year.
MSPs were questioned about the industry and other sectors in the wide-ranging poll commissioned by the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) and other organisations and carried out by PA Advocacy in December.
According to the poll, 73% of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee – which carried out an inquiry into salmon farming in 2008 - viewed the salmon farming sector favourably.
![The number of MSPs with a favourable opinion of salmon farming has risen.](https://image.fishfarmingexpert.com/1334824.webp?imageId=1334824&width=960&height=324&format=jpg)
More knowledge
The number of MSPs with a favourable opinion of salmon farming increased from 34% in 2018 to 43% last year, with the number viewing it unfavourably falling from 25% to 20%.
The poll also showed that more than half of MSPs (56%) say they know a fair amount or more about salmon farming, up from 48% in 2018. In particular, MSPs representing the Highlands and Islands said they have knowledge of salmon farming.
The SSPO has also boosted its influence with MSPs, as 45% of those questioned saying they were satisfied with contact during the past year, up from 32% in 2018. Only one MSP expressed dissatisfaction.
![Hamish Macdonell: More politicians gaining a better understanding of the industry.](https://image.fishfarmingexpert.com/1175908.webp?imageId=1175908&width=960&height=1218&format=jpg)
‘Better understanding’
MSPs are likely to suggest that information about fish welfare and the environment could improve confidence in the sector.
SSPO strategic engagement director Hamish Macdonell said: “The Scottish salmon sector has always had a good relationship with MSPs in our farming areas but it is good to see that more and more politicians - from right across the country - are gaining a better understanding of who we are and what we do.
“This can only encourage support for the UK’s leading food export and one of Scotland’s major farming success stories.”