Series of summits planned to drive forward Scottish rural economy

Scotland to host a series of summits to discuss investment and actions in the agricultural industry
Scotland to host a series of summits to discuss investment and actions in the agricultural industry

A series of summits to drive forward the rural economy; discuss investment and consider Scotland’s role in the EU will be hosted by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The first summit, to be held next week, will focus on the farmed shellfish industry, followed by events tailored to industries including forestry, agriculture and other sectors within food and drink.

The discussions will bring together industry representatives; recommend action to boost investment and consider how to best protect the UK's interests and relationship with the EU.

Mr Ewing said he wants to "drive forward" the rural economy.

The first summit will focus on the farmed shellfish sector
The first summit will focus on the farmed shellfish sector

"There are a number of sectors which have a crucial role to play in this," Mr Ewing said.

"That’s why I am hosting a series of summits to bring together key players, identify the barriers to growth and recommend potential actions to increase investment and boost jobs.

"Clearly our place in Europe is a key issue when it comes to our economy and our rural economy in particular.

"That is why we are working to maintain our relationship with the EU and how we can best protect Scotland’s interests will be an important part of the discussions at each of our summits," Mr Ewing concluded.

Scotland's aquaculture

The first summit will focus on the farmed shellfish sector and will take place on 1 September.

Aquaculture is an increasingly important industry for Scotland, helping to sustain economic growth in the rural and coastal communities of the north and west.

Involving the farming or culturing of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and seaweed, aquaculture produces our most valuable food export.

The Scottish aquaculture industry is led by Atlantic salmon farming, but also produces significant quantities of rainbow trout and mussels.

This event will be followed by other sector specific summits over the course of this year and early next year.

Each event will focus on specific sectors that play a key role in the rural economy, including forestry, finfish aquaculture (largely salmon and trout farming) and food and drink.