The U.K. government has launched a GBP 1 million (USD 1.3 million, EUR 1.2 million) package to boost the country's seafood exports and promote the industry’s produce overseas.
In a press release, the U.K. Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) advised that the new package would target growing overseas markets, and provide new export opportunities for the nation’s fishing industry and seafood sector following the departure from the European Union.
“We exported GBP 1.6 billion [USD 2 billion, EUR 1.9 billion] worth of U.K. seafood in 2021 and we want this to increase,” U.K. Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said. “We are unlocking export opportunities in new markets around the world, and the GBP 1 million we are announcing today will help seafood businesses across the U.K. take advantage of them.”
Defra said the new exports package would:
- Identify new overseas buyers and connect them with U.K. seafood companies;
- Promote U.K. seafood at international events;
- Increase expertise on British seafood produce in embassies and consulates overseas.
Seafood specialists funded by the package will work closely with existing food and drink attachés who help broaden market access for U.K. businesses and resolve any technical barriers preventing businesses from reaching global markets. Defra said the specialists will bring vital insight to help address industry-specific challenges and offer a more tailored approach to promoting seafood in new and existing markets.
“This funding will provide a real boost to businesses, particularly SMEs. It’s a genuine step change for current exporters, as well as those looking to access new seafood markets for the first time,” U.K. Minister for Export Mike Freer said. “These new funds will strengthen the U.K.’s position as a global leader in the sector and enable more countries than ever to enjoy great British seafood.”
The package is the final part of the GBP 100 million (USD 125.6 million, EUR 118.9 million) U.K. Seafood Fund, which also includes the GBP 24 million (USD 30.2 million, EUR 28.5 million) science and innovation scheme, GBP 65 million (USD 81.7 million, EUR 77.3 million) to improve infrastructure and strengthen supply chains, and up to GBP 10 million (USD 12.6 million, EUR 11.9 million) for skills and training to generate new jobs and upskill fishermen.
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