Mowi still facing double tax burden, says CEO

MOWI boss Ivan Vindheim has continued his campaign against Norway’s new ground rent salmon tax plan even though the rate has been heavily reduced.

He said that although the 25% rate was an improvement, the world’s largest salmon farmer would still face a heavy bill from the government this year when other taxes were included.

Vindheim has been a consistent critic of the ground rent plan since it was announced in the national budget last September.

The critical parliamentary vote on the plan is now only 24 hours away with Labour-Centre party coalition success resting on a majority of one – provided every MP physically turns up.

The Conservative led opposition are refusing to pair with other MPs and are insisting on a full parliament for the vote.

Ivan Vindheim told the news site e24.no at the weekend that if the proposal is voted through his company’s tax burden will more than double this year.

He said it was neither sustainable or forward looking and will not increase investment or employment in the coastal regions where salmon farms are located.

“We still hope that the proposal will be postponed so a full investigation into a future tax model can take place,” he added.

Vindheim earlier indicated that he was prepared to wait for the next general election in 2025 when the Conservatives, who have already said they will scrap the tax, are on course in the polls to be re-elected.

Most of the other large salmon companies are waiting for tomorrow’s parliamentary vote before commenting, but Grieg has described the new 25% rate as “significantly better”.