NEW CHAIR FOR THE FEDERATION OF SCOTTISH AQUACULTURE PRODUCERS     Print Article

Posted on: 12/1/2005

The Federation of Scottish Aquaculture Producers, the industry body which incorporates the main aquaculture trade associations in Scotland, has announced that David Sandison, General Manager of Shetland Salmon Farmers' Association, has been appointed Chairman for a two year term.

Commenting on his new position, David Sandison said: "The Federation of Scottish Aquaculture Producers (FSAP) has developed its role successfully over the last two to three years, and will continue to evolve to meet the expectations of the aquaculture sector it serves.  It is driven by the priorities of ensuring a robust business environment to retain an aquaculture industry which remains a solid and sustainable part of the economy, with environmental care and management at the very heart of its activities.

"As the representative for Shetland Salmon Farmers' Association within FSAP, I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work already carried out by the Federation on behalf of the sectoral bodies it represents."

The main priority for the FSAP is to continue to build on the development of the Federation as a focal point for key policy initiatives in partnership with the Scottish Executive and other main regulatory agencies.

"One of the principal aims of the FSAP is to act as a the main conduit for industry involvement in delivering the actions outlined in the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture (SFSA)", explained David Sandison.

"Specific objectives for the immediate future include the ongoing review of the regulatory regime via industry secondment positions with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD), the finalisation of the new Code of Practice for Scottish Fin Fish Aquaculture that is currently entering its wider consultation phase, and participating in the numerous working groups that have been established to take forward the 33 priorities for Action within the SFSA.

"I see the current committed work programme of the FSAP as vital in fostering improvements to the business environment for aquaculture in Scotland at this time, and in the role of Chairman I will endeavour to maintain this clear focus in order to achieve the key policy objectives.

"I am also looking forward to working with FSAP Executive Director Richard Slaski, whose enthusiasm and professional manner carries the interests of the whole of Scottish aquaculture to the public arena."

Welcoming David Sandison to his new role, the previous Chairman of the FSAP, Mark Davies, said:"David has had a long association with the salmon industry, and this will prove most helpful and appropriate as the FSAP draws on that sector's valuable strength and guidance.

"We have seen the Federation develop over the past two years into an organisation with a well respected voice at Government level, which is extremely adept at putting forward the industry's case with force, vigour and enthusiasm.  Our challenge now is to build on this position and I look forward to working with David and the other FSAP directors in order to achieve our goals."

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