Consumer expert Alison to lead Seafood 2040

CONSUMER affairs expert Alison Austin is to lead Seafood 2040, a strategic framework for the seafood supply chain in  England.
Alison, who is also a Seafish board member, has more than 25 years experience in various aspects of the consumer issues, including a spell with Sainsbury’s.
Seafood 2040 (SF2040) has been set up to identify  how the industry can grow to meet the recommended consumption level of two servings of fish per person per week, while ensuring continued sustainability of supply in both the wild caught and  aquaculture sectors.
She will head  a seafood industry leadership group  to ensure  delivery of the plan.  When established, the group will bring all sectors of the seafood industry together to lead and support the work set out in the Seafood 2040 strategy and to hold all partners to account for its delivery.
Alison said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the chair of the Seafood Industry Leadership Group.   I believe we are in a strong position now to drive forward the 25 recommendations within the Seafood 2040, a Strategic Framework for England document.
“It was heartening to see Seafood 2040 mentioned in the recent Defra consultation document, “Sustainable Fisheries for future generations” as a positive outcome of partnership working across the seafood value chain.
“ I look forward to forming the Seafood Industry Leadership Group and working to create a thriving industry as well as encouraging consumption of fantastic, sustainable seafood. “
UK Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: “Alison’s proven commitment, passion and commercial expertise will stand her in good stead for delivering the vision of the Seafood 2040 project and I would like to congratulate her on this new role. “
He added: “As we highlighted in our recently published fisheries white paper, Seafood 2040 will play an important part in supporting the long-term sustainable growth and future economic success of the seafood chain in England.”