GOVERNMENT TO ASK EU TO ACT TO PRESERVE SCOTTISH SALMON INDUSTRY
19 Jan 2004 11:15 AM
The Government will apply to the EU to put in place new measures to
safeguard the Scottish salmon farming industry from surges of cheap
imports of farmed Atlantic salmon from non-EU countries, Trade
Minister Mike O'Brien announced today.
Farmed salmon from Norway, Chile and the Faroes continues to enter
the British market undercutting Scottish producers and causing
economic hardship to local communities heavily dependent on fish
farming. There is particular concern that Norway has breached the
1997 agreement on fishing by allowing unfair overproduction of
salmon. An increasing number of salmon fisheries have gone into
receivership. EU "safeguard measures" are intended to restrict
imports. They could operate in a number of ways, such as through a
tariff quota whereby the imports above the quota limit attract
punitive rates of duty.
Mike O'Brien said:
"The Scottish salmon industry is important to us. It provides the
consumer with sustainable and reliable supplies. Applying for the
safeguard measures is not a decision that the UK Government has taken
lightly. We would normally strongly resist protectionism, but the
salmon industry presents unique and serious problems which can only
be dealt with by considering this exceptional action.
Norway has amended its rules to allow over production of its salmon
which is undercutting the market for Scottish salmon. This was an
unfair practice and resulted in over production. The Scottish salmon
industry needs temporary help to adjust to these market changes."
"I spoke to EU Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy last week to impress
on him how vital it is that we get approval for the safeguard
measures. I will also be discussing with the Irish Government the
option of making a joint application to the EU. We need the help of
the Irish Government in order to initiate the inquiry procedure which
can in due course allow safeguards to be applied. We cannot get the
EU to impose this measure without the help of the Irish".
The UK is hoping to make an application jointly with Ireland, where
salmon farmers are facing the same threat from imports. Irish support
will help to demonstrate to the commission that the European industry
wants action.
Notes to Editors:
1. The measures being sought apply exclusively to farmed Atlantic
salmon and not to wild salmon or other fish imports from third
countries.
2. Safeguard measures, if applied, will affect imports of farmed
Atlantic salmon from all non-EC countries. Apart from Norway which is
the major import source, other important import sources are Chile and
the Faeroe Islands.
3. Safeguard measures can only be taken when there is or there is a
risk of serious injury to a Community industry. In this instance, the
serious injury is attested by the growing number of independent
Scottish salmon producers going into receivership.
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