Recommendations from an independent review by Professor Russel Griggs, which provided a roadmap for better regulation, have yet to be fully implemented more than two years later.
Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing Scotland’s salmon sector, has called on the nation’s First Minister to prioritize economic growth and job creation in the forthcoming Programme for Government.
The appeal comes amid a challenging financial landscape, with both Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, and UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, facing the need to impose public spending curbs.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, emphasized the importance of the salmon sector, describing it as a “bright spot for Scotland’s economy” and highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to global sales and job creation.
The Scottish salmon industry, which represents nearly 50 companies and 12,500 jobs, contributes over £760 million to the economy and is on track for record-breaking exports.
Salmon Scotland is urging the government to cut the regulatory red tape that is hindering the growth of Scotland’s blue economy. Despite the Scottish Government’s previous acknowledgment of aquaculture’s vital role in the economy, the trade body warns that slow regulatory reform and under-resourced planning departments are stalling sustainable growth.
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Recommendations from an independent review by Professor Russel Griggs, which provided a roadmap for better regulation, have yet to be fully implemented more than two years later. Salmon Scotland is pressing for these reforms to be enacted to enable the sector to grow responsibly and continue contributing to the economy.
The trade body also highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in rural and coastal areas, calling for increased funding for planning authorities to expedite approvals for salmon farms and other key projects. Streamlining the consents and licensing process, as recommended by the Griggs review, could help the farm-raised salmon sector generate more revenue for public services.
Recent figures from HMRC indicate that international sales of Scottish salmon are on course for a new record, with a 41% increase to £431 million in the first six months of 2024.
Tavish Scott reiterated the need for government action, stating, “It has never been more important for the Scottish government to focus on the levers it has to drive job creation and economic growth, which, in turn, will generate essential wealth for public services. We have the ability and aspiration to grow, but we need government to urgently reform the cumbersome regulatory and consenting landscape that is holding back salmon farmers.”
