Making the announcement while visiting the Scotland stand at Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, Minister for UK Negotiations for Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said: “Raising the awareness and enhancing the global profile of the Scottish seafood industry will assist the sector as a whole, while helping individual businesses to expand into new markets and increase consumer awareness of their fine products.
“This is just one example of why EU funding is so important as it is helping showcase our fisheries sector, improve the quality of its products and develop more environmentally friendly practices.”
Scotland’s fishing fleet generated £437 million last year. Fish and seafood exports, a third of which went to the EU, increased in value by 26% in 2016.
Welcoming the announcement, Head of Seafood Scotland, Patrick Hughes said: “We are delighted with the EMFF award. This will ensure that Seafood Scotland, along with the Scotland Food & Drink export partners, can continue to promote and assist business seeking to establish new global markets. This is especially important over the coming months as Seafood from Scotland tries to cement its place as a true global competitor.”
