Tuesday 16 June 2009
Open water farming of Murray Cod could become a major new export industry under a development plan now being backed by a Brumby Labor Government food industry initiative.
The plan to expand the new concept in fish farming is being supported by a $7500 grant announced today in Swan Hill by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Trial shipments of fish grown in northern Victoria farm dams have been exported to Singapore and markets in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan and America have expressed interest.
The grant supports a working group – including businesses, local government and State Government – developing a broad industry model incorporating all aspects from hatcheries to marketing and logistics.
“Open water fish farming is a relatively new concept that is showing potential for industrial scale production of high quality Murray Cod,” Ms Broad said.
“The trial stage has been most successful and the Brumby Labor Government is delighted to further invest in developing this promising industry
“The project could create a new industry resulting in more exports and jobs, multiple use of water and expanded regional skills.
”A new industry would further diversify Victoria’s farming enterprises, creating another significant gain for the regional economy.”
Ms Broad said the plan would consider seasonality, risk mitigation, research and development.
The project working group includes Murray Cod producers processors and marketers, Swan Hill Rural City Council and Mildura Rural City Council along with the Department of Primary industries, Fisheries Victoria and Regional Development Victoria. .
The technique involves using large private irrigation storages in north-west Victoria instead of intensive indoor tank systems.
The grant is from the Food Industry for a Regionally Sustainable Tomorrow (FIRST) program, part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Moving Forward action plan for provincial Victoria.
FIRST aims to help regional Victoria's food industry compete in domestic and international markets.