Source: Seafood Norway
Every year when the new state budget proposal is presented, many people demand support and subsidies. But Ystmark emphasizes that the seafood industry is not in the queue asking for money.
– On the contrary, seafood accounts for large revenues and thus contributes a significant part of Norwegian welfare. Now the decline in oil prices is affecting the country's economy, and it is more important than ever to facilitate growth and development in industries that are actually doing well, says Ystmark.
Future-oriented research
So far this year, Norway has exported seafood worth 51.8 billion kroner. This is an increase of seven percent from the same period last year. When the government increases allocations for marine research by 170 million kroner, it is because seafood is considered an industry that needs to be invested in more strongly.
– The "green shift" can be painful in a period of restructuring, and those who are already feeling it are the thousands who have lost their jobs in the oil industry in the past year. Innovation and development are a prerequisite for new growth, and the focus on marine research is therefore the right move by the government, believes Ystmark.
Market access
He emphasizes that it is also a major political responsibility to ensure that seafood has much better access to markets in the EU and other parts of the world. In parallel with the state budget, the Storting will consider the report on trade policy in the autumn. Good market access and trade agreements are very important for Norway to be able to benefit from the great value creation.
The "green shift" must place particular emphasis on export-oriented industries that can provide the country with new income.
– We know that there is great potential through value creation in the ocean, a central part of the new bioeconomy. Already today we have subsidy-free and welfare-building industries based on fisheries, aquaculture and the production of other marine raw materials, says Ystmark.
Tax and climate
– The government's announced change in corporate tax is also positive for seafood companies. It will contribute to more development, innovation and value creation, says Ystmark.
Seafood Norway is also concerned that fisheries and aquaculture can contribute to solving the biggest challenge the world faces – greenhouse gas emissions. Research has shown that fish from both capture and aquaculture are among the most climate-friendly protein sources you can put on the table, even when you factor in transport to the markets.
– We hope this is something that can also be reflected in the public sector's focus on environmental and seafood management in the years to come, says Ystmark.
Additional comments:
Geir Ove Ystmark, CEO tel. 48 12 71 55 Seafood Norway
