Findus Group calls on politicians to ‘educate themselves’ on fish reform

Asked what the food industry wanted to see come out of the reforms, Ian Hagg, director of corporate social responsibility, Findus Group, told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We need to think long and hard about the role politics plays in fisheries policy.”​

“Authorities on a European and national level need to educate themselves in policy terms, and there is definite scope for greater regionalisation.”​

Hagg’s comments reflect long-standing industry viewpoints that the EU needs to consult local stakeholders such as fisheries and food production companies more effectively, specifically on issues such as quota management and the many technical regulations governing fishing.

Greater regionalisation​

In a submission to a House of Lords committee examining CFP, the Shetland Ocean Alliance (a partnership between Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Fishing Industry) said:

“Many of the failings of the CFP have resulted from its attempts to manage fisheries throughout Europe in a centralised, ‘one-size-fits-all’ manner that lacks flexibility…and takes little account of regional and local variations. ​

“Management under the CFP often seems to be driven by political ideology rather than practical realities, and is generally overly politicised…CFP has failed to deliver either sustainable fish stocks or sustainable fishing industries.”​

In a Green Paper published last year on CFP reform the European Commission acknowledged the need for dialogue: “Very little can be achieved if the reform fails to motivate the catching sector, the processing and seafood chain as well as consumers to support the objectives of CFP and take responsibility for implementing them effectively. ​

"It is critical to the success of reform that industry should understand the need for it, support it and have a genuine stake in its successful outcome.” ​

Fish for Life​

So often painted as the fall guy in media discussions on CFP and falling fish stocks, the industry itself now recognises that sustainability is crucial.

Birds Eye has just launched its ‘Forever Foods’ initiative, which aims to source all wild and farmed fish from certified fisheries by 2012, while Findus Group led the sustainability drive through it’s ‘Fish for Life’ programme. Launche in 2006, this supports projects and research for the long-term good of the marine environment and ensures 100% sustainable sourcing for both the Young’s and Findus brands.

Explaining the rationale behind Findus' new Fish for Life website, Hagg said:“It aims to fill a gap for media and policymakers in relation to the debate on seafood and sustainability, and we will use it to host discussions including green groups, campaigners and our own experts.”​