New UK Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner has praised the role of Shetland’s salmon farming industry in boosting local economies during a visit to Scottish Sea Farms’ facilities.
Zeichner, who was appointed Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs on July 8, toured the Vidlin salmon farm and the Gremista processing facility in Lerwick, where he observed the sector’s contribution to year-round employment and food security.
“It has been insightful to see firsthand the work of our dedicated salmon farmers and hear their views for a sustainable future for this iconic Scottish product,” Zeichner said during the visit.
Food security
He emphasized the importance of collaborating with the aquaculture industry to create secure and economically successful sectors that support coastal communities. “Food security is national security, and working with our seafood sector is key to achieving that,” he added.
The visit comes as recent figures from HMRC show a 41 percent increase in international sales of Scottish salmon, with exports reaching £431 million in the first half of 2024.
Shetland’s contribution to this success has been significant, with exports surpassing £150 million over the past year, directly supporting 470 local jobs. According to Salmon Scotland, 17,200 tonnes of salmon valued at £153 million were exported from Shetland in the 12 months to June.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, welcomed the minister’s visit, highlighting the new Labour government’s commitment to supporting the economy and improving trade relations. “Having the UK Minister responsible for salmon farming in Shetland so early in his new job is excellent,” Scott said. “We look forward to working with Daniel and his UK Government colleagues to export even more Scottish salmon and bring additional wealth to the country.”
Brand Scotland
Scottish Sea Farms’ regional manager for Shetland, Richard Darbyshire, also underscored the importance of the visit. “Nothing beats seeing firsthand the investments being made in our infrastructure and fish husbandry practices,” Darbyshire noted. He expressed confidence in the company’s ability to grow its operations further and highlighted the low-impact nature of salmon farming as a sustainable food source.
Zeichner’s visit reflects the Labour government’s broader strategy to promote Scottish salmon as part of a “Brand Scotland” initiative, utilizing the UK’s global diplomatic network to bolster exports. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing trade barriers and supporting the UK’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
