About

At Salmon Scotland, we take on the responsibility of fostering long-term, sustainable growth in the salmon sector. Our mission is to make sure that more consumers, both at home and abroad, get the chance to relish the exceptional taste of Scottish salmon.

Representing every company involved in salmon farming in Scotland, as well as other key players along the Scottish salmon supply chain, we are committed to championing the sector's interests. By collaborating with our members, the UK and Scottish governments, and regulators, we actively contribute to shaping a regulatory environment that allows both Scotland and our members to prosper.

Priorities

Our board, composed of leaders from within our membership and an independent chair, focuses on these top priorities:

• Transforming the regulatory framework for salmon farming in Scotland into one that is highly regarded, trusted by stakeholders, and fosters sustainable growth.
• Developing a sector vision that positions Scottish salmon at the forefront of sustainability.

Open and Transparent Insights

Salmon Scotland aims to enhance understanding of the Scottish salmon farming sector by providing clear insights into its operations.

The success of salmon farming has had a profound impact on the economy, particularly in sparsely populated regions along the west coast and islands. Over the past 50 years, the Scottish salmon farming sector has grown to account for approximately 40 percent of the total value of Scottish food exports.

Renowned for its exceptional nutritional value and high production standards, Scottish salmon has been honoured with the prestigious EU PGI status, a testament to its quality and distinctive origins. Additionally, it proudly holds the esteemed French Label Rouge designation, signifying its recognition as an outstanding example of 'good food' on the international stage.

Together, let's continue to nurture the growth of the Scottish salmon sector while preserving the beauty and health of our oceans for generations to come. Experience the true essence of Scotland through our finest catch - the unparalleled Scottish salmon.

Engaging on behalf of our members

Salmon Scotland is the trusted voice of the Scottish salmon sector.

We play a vital role in advocating for the interests of producers, processors, and other stakeholders within the industry – 3,200 producer and supply chain businesses in all.

Like other trade bodies, one of our primary tasks is ‘lobbying’ or engaging with MPs, MSPs and ministers in Holyrood and Whitehall to influence government policy, regulations, and legislation that affects the sector.

Given the importance of Scottish salmon to the economy (we generate £766million every year) and employment (2,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs), it is vital that elected politicians and civil servants understand this.

Lobbying is an essential part of the democratic process in the UK, ensuring policymakers are well informed and can take evidence-led decisions that work in the best interests of people, business and society.

That’s why charities, businesses, and campaigners all regularly lobby those in power.

What do we contact decision-makers about?

Our lobbying activities typically focus on the contribution our sector makes to the nation, explaining to politicians and civil servants our progress on environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and calling for measures that could encourage responsible economic growth.

Most of the time, our engagement simply seeks to improve a politician’s understanding of our sector. Through meetings and visits to our member companies we have the opportunity to explain how the sector works and highlight some of the issues facing our members at any given time.

This is a two-way street – often it is government, MPs, or MSPs who come to us and ask us for our views.

How do we engage?

Salmon Scotland undertakes a range of methods to ensure our position is understood by policymakers, including:

• Written responses to policy consultations;
• Supporting the work of parliamentary committees in written and oral evidence;
• Face-to-face meetings at Holyrood and Westminster;
• Written communication (letters and emails) with legislators and regulators;
• Inviting politicians to events and attending those where politicians are present.

Issues we have been active on

Salmon Scotland lobbies on several issues that impact on our sector. Just some of the issues we have been active on in recent months include:

• Calling for money contributed by salmon farmers to be spent on providing more affordable housing for key local workers;
• The Scottish Government’s now-scrapped proposals to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) – alongside our friends and colleagues in the wild-caught fishing sector;
• The impact of Brexit on salmon farming and exports.

Salmon Scotland is supported in this task by experienced and knowledgeable staff who help to analyse data, formulate policy recommendations, and engage with decision-makers.

Unlike many organisations that want to ban salmon farming and lobby government, Salmon Scotland receives no public money for standing up for our farmers.

Read more from our chief executive Tavish Scott here.