£23m for seafood firms part of ongoing UK Government support for industry
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed new financial support for seafood businesses that export to the EU as part of ongoing UK Government work to support the industry.
Seafood exporters that have been adversely affected by delays in getting their produce to market will receive a share of a £23million fund.
The scheme is targeted at small and medium-sized firms with a maximum claim of £100,000 for individual operators.
Mr Duguid, who is also a Minister in the Scotland Office said the funding announcement was just the “latest step” in ongoing efforts to back the industry now that the UK has left the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The £23million is in addition to the £100million investment fund already announced by the Prime Minister to help grow, develop and sustain the industry and coastal communities.
Commenting Mr Duguid said:“I have been working with industry representatives and government officials on a day-by-day and sometimes hour-by-hour basis since seafood exports recommenced in the New Year.
“I am determined to do everything I can to help the industry through the current challenges as well as the opportunities in the long term as we chart a new course outside of the CFP.
“The announcement of this £23million fund is welcome and should provide some reassurance for exporting businesses that have suffered losses, in many cases, through no fault of their own.
“But this is just the latest step in ongoing work by the UK Government to support the sector.
“I remain in constant touch with industry leaders from both the catching and processing sectors.
“We are all working to deal with the immediate issues of course but also looking at opportunities to expand the Scottish seafood sector now that we are free of the CFP.
“That includes opening up more global markets for our world-renowned product as well as promotion of increased domestic consumption."
In response to the announcement Donna Fordyce, chief executive of Seafood Scotland said: “After almost three weeks of voicing their concerns and frustrations, we welcome the fact that the Scottish seafood sector has been heard and action is being taken.
"While we await the full detail of the package, we know that there will be questions around the extent to which it supports the entire supply chain, from fleet to export.
“As we currently understand it, the deal offers crucial short-term assistance and includes much to be welcomed, particularly the £23m of new funding.
"It is also reassuring to see that the processing sector is set to be included in future support packages.
"This will offer a ray of light to some small and medium sized companies that have experienced crippling losses over the past few weeks.
"However, larger companies and smaller shellfish boats are still vulnerable, and will be hoping that they can access support too.
“Money will offer a much needed sticking plaster covering the losses over the last few weeks, but to completely staunch the wound, the sector still needs a period of grace during which the systems must be overhauled so they are fit for purpose.
"It is also essential that groupage returns to a fully operational state as a matter of urgency.
"The announcement is certainly a step in the right direction and we will continue to work with industry, partners and Government to ensure the sector gets the proactive support it so desperately needs.”
