Producer Organisations
POs are entrusted with quota management and other responsibilities such as representing their members interests at a government and policy level, and improving market conditions for the catch.
Producer Organisations (POs) are officially recognised bodies set up by fishery producers. POs represent the majority of companies catching UK wild seafood and, as such, achieve positive change from their unique position of influence between fishing companies and the UK government.
POs are key institutions to achieving the objectives of the UK’s new fisheries legislation including the Fisheries Act. POs are at the forefront of delivering a sustainable and profitable future for the UK seafood sector. They have also had the responsibility of collaborating with government over the past few years as our relationship with the EU has been negotiated.
The WFPO
WFPO was recognised as a PO by the Marine Management Organisation in April 2020, and became fully operational as of 1 January, 2021 – auspiciously on the same day as the UK became an independent coastal state. WFPO has therefore been created at a time that will be very important for producer organisations.
A strong governance structure has been set up to ensure that the PO is acting on behalf of all members equally. The board is led by an independent chair, and all members have the opportunity to become board members with a voting right.
We will be working closely with the other POs in the UK, and especially with those in the South West region, and will be a proud and supportive member of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organsations and the UK Assotiation of Fish Producers’ Orgaisations.
Our Aims
Add value to members’ products by growing demand and constantly improving the conditions of production for members.
Improve and document sustainability of members’ operations to achieve the highest sustainability standards, including independent assessment
Collaborate with government and other. stakeholders to deliver benefits to members and broader society, being open and innovative in addressing joint challenges.
“Waterdance believes firmly that POs have a long history of great achievements for UK fishermen and they are uniquely well-placed to work in partnership with the government to deliver the UK’s new fisheries policies. We are excited to work with Chloe and the WFPO members on the projects set out in the PO’s strategy.”
— Martyn Youell, Waterdance Ltd