Fish farm start-up launches ‘Bho Mhuir gu Tir’/From Sea to Land community fund
3rd June 2021
Organic Sea Harvest (OSH) has partnered with aqua feed supplier, Cargill, to jointly launch the ‘Bho Mhuir gu Tir’/From Sea to Land community fund.
The fund has launched today (2 June 2021), coinciding with OSH’s first harvest. The community fund forms part of OSH’s ongoing commitment to bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the north-east Skye community it farms within.
The principal aim of OSH’s community initiative is to provide financial support to local organisations for projects which bring tangible benefits to sustain the rural district of Staffin, known as An Taobh Sear (East Side) in Gaelic. The area has a resident population of more than 570 people, who live in 23 crofting townships dotted around Staffin Bay and the Trotternish Ridge.
OSH will be contributing 5p per Kg of head on, gutted fish harvested from their farms to the fund, and the money will then be used for various community projects. The success of this initiative will be based on factors such as the number of farms OSH operate, the tonnage harvested and the number of fish feed tons OSH purchases from Cargill.
A committee will be formed, composed of the OSH workforce and local community representatives (including Sgoil Stafainn), to decide which projects are supported. Each project will need to submit an expression of interest prior to being awarded any funding. OSH anticipates that several projects a year could benefit from this fund.
OSH spokesperson and Founding Director, Alex MacInnes, commented: “We are delighted to follow in the footsteps of our friends at Loch Duart, who have a similar, successful fund.
“A local fund is something I’ve been aiming to set up for a while now as it’s always been part of our vision at OSH to give something back to the community we work in. This is our way of thanking the people of Staffin for their continued support and part of our ongoing goal to help create a sustainable future for the next generation.
“For example, we will be fulfilling our commitment made at the beginning of the OSH journey by making a major contribution to the Staffin Slipway Re-development project, which will see the harbour upgraded to serve the local community, fishing and aquaculture boats and encourage marine tourism.
“We chose the name ‘Bho Mhuir gu Tir/From Sea to Land’ as it’s a reminder of Staffin’s rich fishing history. We are delighted to be supporting a historic fishing community and working closely together to deliver a community harbour for all.”
James Deverill, Country Director for Cargill Aqua Nutrition, commented: “We are excited about the opportunity to support Organic Sea Harvest’s continued investment in the communities surrounding their organic salmon farming operations. Cargill is passionate about people and proud to be part of creating healthy, sustainable seafood for people to enjoy.”
A digital meeting will be held to inform the community of how they can benefit and facilitate dialogue between OSH and those involved in local projects. Anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to get in touch at communityfund@organicseaharvest.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1) USA-based global food corporation, Cargill, is one of the largest suppliers of aqua feed and has 120 years of experience in the animal nutrition industry. The corporation supplies salmon feed throughout Norway, Chile, Scotland and North America.
2) OSH was officially incorporated in August 2015 and wish to help stimulate as many sustainable local projects as possible.
3) It is planned that the committee which will number 6 in total will be formed by members of the OSH workforce and community representatives including Sgoil Stafainn.
4) For further information, please contact:
Roz Macaskill – roz@skyewriter.co.uk – 01478 612700
Alex MacInnes - OSH spokesperson and Founding Director – alex@organicseaharvest.co.uk – 07817167223.
