Archive for March 2020
Food workers the ‘hidden heroes’ of crisis
WORKERS in Britain’s food and drink industry are the ‘hidden heroes’ of the coronavirus crisis, as they continue to provide a vital service to the country. This was the message from the UK\’s environment secretary, George Eustice, who has written an open letter to the sector, expressing his – and the nation’s – pride and…
Read MoreGrimsby fish auction suspended as chippies shut
GRIMSBY fish market will continue to remain open for handling and contract sold supplies, although the fish auction has been suspended. The decision to shut down the auction came earlier this week following a large downturn in trade resulting from coronavirus and new instructions on social distancing. Although takeaways are permitted under the current coronavirus regulations, the National…
Read More‘Dire’ Covid-19 consequences for EU supply chain
EUROPEAN fish processors and traders are calling for further measures to mitigate ‘market failure’ in the seafood industry. The sector is dealing with a general disruption of demand that has resulted in ‘dire consequences’ in the supply chain of fresh fish, said the body representing EU processors, AIPCE CEP. Businesses active in frozen seafood and…
Read MoreOutgoing Mowi chief earned £1.5m last year
FORMER Mowi chief executive Alf-Helge Aarskog earned 19 million kroner – or almost £1.5 million – last year, according to the company’s 248-page annual report, released this week. Aarskog, who stepped down in November after 10 years at the helm, successfully built the Norwegian based company into not only the world’s largest salmon farming business, but also a…
Read MoreShetland lists fish farmers as key workers
SHETLAND has made clear that salmon farmers will be regarded as key workers during the coronavirus lockdown, giving staff access to support such as child care. The council has issued a list that it says will ensure essential services can function. Included are those directly involved in farming fish, contractors supporting animal husbandry and food…
Read MoreRegulator adopts flexible approach in virus crisis
SALMON farmers in Scotland have welcomed moves by regulators that will help them meet the challenges of producing fish during the coronavirus outbreak. With staff reductions and disruptions to processing and retail distribution, temporary measures have been agreed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the government that allow regulatory leeway. In particular, fish…
Read MoreDoor to door fish deliveries a ‘lifeline’
HOUSEHOLDS in the south-west of England are enjoying fresh fish deliveries on the doorstep thanks to a campaign launched in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown. The ‘FishToYourDoor’ promotion, which links Cornish fish merchants and fishmongers to consumers, has been inundated with orders so far, with many merchants delivering beyond Cornwall. The scheme, organised by…
Read MoreASC approved seal scarer could beat US salmon ban
NEW anti-predation technology that could help salmon farmers avoid an export ban in the US has been approved for use on Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farms. The Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST), developed at St Andrews University, deters seals from salmon farms without affecting other marine life, according to the company selling it. GenusWave…
Read MoreAnger over Mowi and Lerøy processing exemption
A DECISION by Norway’s food safety authority to grant Mowi and Lerøy Seafood exemption from some of the country’s tough processing rules has come under fire from other sections within the industry. The main rule, brought in a number of years ago to protect the reputation of Norwegian seafood, states that salmon and other fish with certain defects…
Read MoreSalmon farmers keep fresh food on the table
SCOTLAND’S salmon farmers are continuing to supply fresh produce to consumers during the coronavirus crisis despite increasingly challenging conditions. Those working on farms and throughout the supply chain are being provided with appropriate safety and hygiene protection and guidance, according to a statement issued by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) this morning. ‘The critical…
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