News

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published COVID-19 guidance for food business operators and their employees.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced a new 16-week partnership with job recruitment app, Syft.

The leaders of Scotland's main food bodies, including the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), have sent a letter to all MSPs.

We appreciate some of you may have questions about how the Scottish salmon sector is responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish and UK Governments have issued a number of support measures for businesses and employees. Please click on the links below for more detailed information and advice.

The salmon farming sector has welcomed the temporary regulatory flexibility agreed with SEPA and Marine Scotland to help manage the impacts of reduced staff availability and disruption to processing and retail distribution as a result of Covid-19.

Hamish Macdonell, Director of Strategic Engagement for SSPO, said:

The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) is seeking clarification on which workers are to be classified as 'key workers'.

Joint statement from industry bodies; Scotland Food & Drink, FDF Scotland, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Seafood Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Scottish Fishermen's Federation, Scottish Seafood Association, Scottish Association Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), Dairy UK, Agricultural Industries Confederation Scotland (AIC Scotland) and Scottish Bakers.

In a move designed to prioritise both public safety and maintain important supplies of fresh food to the UK market, the SSPO has postponed a ground-breaking new public engagement initiative planned for this summer.

As the COVID-19 crisis escalates the Scottish salmon sector is working hard to mitigate impacts while ensuring the health and welfare of employees and their fish.

As the UK's number one food export, restrictions imposed across the globe to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitably impacting on the Scottish salmon farming sector.