Iceland lags far behind Norway when it comes to funding research and development projects in the fisheries sector. If Norway's methodology were followed, funding for research and development would be around ISK 2 billion more per year.
Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, raised the question at the recent general meeting of the Association of Fish Processing Plants whether Norway should be considered for research and development, and whether the Icelandic fisheries sector could be strengthened by adopting their methodology for financing.
Sveinn says that the value chain of the fisheries sector, fisheries and processing, underpins funds for fisheries-related research and development in Norway, as well as general research funds. Thus, Norway imposes taxes on the export value of marine products, which amounts to 1.05 percentage points of the total and returns ISK 11.4 billion. Comparable fees in Iceland would yield 2.3 billion, while the export value of marine products in this country was 220 billion in 2010.
Sveinn says that it is not unusual in his mind, given the importance of the fishing industry in Iceland, that the industry should have the most powerful tool for development. "Iceland is at a disadvantage compared to Norway in this respect, and in fact this applies to more countries. However, the comparison is very realistic with Norway, since we are outside the EU and the fishing industry is very important in both countries."
In 2010, AVS, the research fund of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, raised ISK 306 million, but the fund is financed from each year's budget. Sveinn says it is an exaggeration to say that the company finances the fund in Norway, but public funds are used here. Fishing and processing contribute to the community, which is utilized through the fund.
The Norwegian Fund, the FHF Fund, is managed by people appointed by the fisheries and aquaculture industry, as it was established on the initiative of the industry. The Minister appoints the board of AVS and is professionally responsible in Iceland.
Norway runs the Export Council for Seafood (Eksportudvalget), which has operations in twelve countries. The role is to analyze the position of Norwegian products in the markets, gather information about opportunities and promote promotion.
"We don't really have anything comparable. After the sales association changed roles, there is no comparable Icelandic entity. "Many strong parties are marketing fish and marine products, but there is less of an overall view of the industry's marketing in this country than in Norway," says Sveinn.
For further information Sveinn Margeirsson CEO of Matís.