Cermaq warns of salmon tax consequences in Norway

A senior Cermaq executive has spelt out a number of likely consequences if the Norwegian government decides to implement its salmon tax without changes. Lars Galtung, head of sustainability and communications at the company, accused the government of rushing through its proposals for a so-called “ground rent” tax without due consultation. He hoped the Finance Ministry would appreciate that cultivating salmon was not like producing oil, gas or wind power. Galtung said; “The salmon is created – nature is reproduced – at a cost of around NOK 50 per kilo [£3.96]. Production is not tied to one place in the same way as the aforementioned natural resources; it is relatively mobile and can be moved on land, at sea or other places where farming takes place close to the coast.” He warned that the proposed tax levels would kill competitiveness and force industry leaders to move out of the country, adding: “The industry will of course never move the facilities located in Norway. But when the ...