The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO) welcomed the new Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle, to Newlyn this week for a focused visit that brought her face to face with Cornwall’s fishing industry and wider seafood sector. Coming soon after the Autumn cabinet shuffle, the visit ensured the Minister is fully briefed at a critical moment for decisions within the current UK EU negotiations, developing the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, as well as the expected outcome from the stage 3 of marine protected area consultation.
CFPO Chairman Paul Trebilcock said:
“Cornwall is the best place in the country for our political decision makers to build their understanding of the fishing industry. Standing on Newlyn fish market floor or the deck of a working boat cuts through the complexity. The Minister saw first hand the pride, passion, and professionalism of Cornish fishermen. With major consultations and negotiations surrounding us, this visit could not have come at a more important moment and we look forward to some more positive outcomes this year and next.”
Joined by senior DEFRA officials, the Marine Management Organisation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, the Minister took part in a full net to plate tour of Newlyn. An early walk through the fish market showcased the range, volume, and value of Cornish seafood and its importance to national food security. A stop at fish merchant and processor business Cornwall Fish Direct highlighted opportunities to grow domestic consumption and promote the positive health benefits a seafood diet offers our nation.
Minister Eagle reflected on the visit and said:
“It has been invaluable to visit Newlyn’s fish market, auction and quayside this week, and to speak directly with fishermen and seafood businesses about opportunities ahead for Cornwall’s fishing industry. The diversity of fleet, fish and buyers in Newlyn is a real strength, and understanding how we source the fish on our plates is vital to ensuring transparency across the food chain.
A huge thank you to everyone I met, and to the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations for hosting the visit.
Together, we are working to secure a sustainable future for the sector, support the next generation of fishers, and help revitalise coastal communities across the UK.”
Back on the quayside the Minister met skippers across the inshore and offshore fleet, hearing directly about the need for better management of our inshore grounds, and gained insight into the challenges of mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea. She also met members of the Young Fishermen Network and signed their campaign buff in support of their new four point manifesto that focuses on training, mentoring, help to buy and creating fishing opportunities for the next generation. A final pitstop was made at Harveys Shellfish merchants to discuss the importance of developing and implementing shellfish management, as well as wider issues and opportunities on trade.
NFFO Chief Executive Mike Cohen said:
“NFFO was pleased to join the CFPO in welcoming the Minister to Cornwall. There is no substitute for hearing directly from fishermen about the realities they face at sea and on the quayside. The Minister left with a far clearer understanding of the pressures on the fleet, but also the enormous potential that exists if government and industry work together with clarity and ambition.”
The visit concluded with detailed discussions between the Minister, the CFPO and the NFFO on UK EU end of year negotiations, marine spatial planning and how the industry is contributing highly detailed data sets and technical knowledge of the sea and marine environment to ensure key fishing grounds remain in place. There were further points made about developing meaningful management within the six to twelve mile limit, and the CFPO Cornish Pilot Proposal for the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. As the United Kingdom’s largest no.1 seafood hotspot, the CFPO welcomed the Minister’s clear recognition of Cornwall’s importance and her commitment to continued joint working.
CFPO CEO Chris Ranford summarised:
“This visit was a chance to reinforce the true value of seafood to Cornwall and it was positive to present the Minister with so many solutions and opportunities. The one fisherman to fifteen seafood supply chain job ratio in Cornwall is exactly why the new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund matters so much, and why backing the Cornish pilot would deliver the greatest return for public investment. But to unlock that potential we also need a genuine shift in policy direction that gives the fishing and seafood sector the space to grow. It is now time for action from the Minister and Cornwall is well placed to lead the change.”
