Happy new decade!

As we embark on 2020 there is much to look forward to, even in a climate of continuing political uncertainty. December’s general election brought a lengthy period of parliamentary upheaval to a close (in Westminster at least) and will, hopefully, lay the grounds for a workable Brexit solution so businesses can plan for the future.

In our industry, that future is looking bright, after another year marked by impressive innovation, scientific investigation and massive investment. Against such a backdrop, the sector in Scotland is rearing to go and will be hoping for support from all the relevant political channels. As we were going to press, there was encouragement on this front, with an SSPO poll revealing that 43 per cent of MSPs are in favour of salmon farming, up from 34 per cent in 2018. It is our mission to recruit the remaining 57 per cent to the fold and convince them, too, of both the economic and environmental benefits in fish and shellfish farming.

A good place to start is with the feed producers, who may have had bumpy times but are always one step ahead. In this issue we bring news of their latest developments in novel proteins, alternative fish oils and in new methods, and regions, of farming.

We wish you all a very happy New Year and a positive beginning to the new decade.