Farmed shrimp harvest. (Photo: Stock File)
Environmental licenses and financing hinder shrimp industry
(BRAZIL, 10/22/2014)
With more favourable conditions in the international market, the shrimp farming industry is gaining more strength in Brazil and being directed abroad. However, two key factors limiting its growth are being granted environmental licenses and finance availability, according to the president of the Brazilian Association of Shrimp Breeders (ABCC), Itamar Rocha.
In the official’s view, shrimp production requires more attention from state and federal governments so that it can regain strength in the region.
Rocha recalled that the sector was affected because of a US anti-dumping process and the devaluation of the Brazilian currency, to which the lack of financial compensation to face competition from Ecuador and Asia is added. All this resulted in a loss of competitiveness in the international arena, which forced the industry to concentrate on the domestic market, Tribuna do Norte reported.
Now, shrimp entrepreneurs intend to boost production with better productivity for 2014.
Presently, there are 1,800 active producers in the country. Most of them (95 per cent) operate micro, small and medium ventures, with 22,000 hectares of ponds, and the expected production for this year is 100,000 tonnes.
In the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in particular, the shrimp industry was also affected by the massive floods in 2008 and 2009, and white spot spread.
Despite these issues, Rocha said this year encouraging results are being registered and production is expected to reach 25,000 tonnes this year, 10 per cent more than in 2012 (23,000 tonnes).
In addition, the international market situation is favourable "in terms of demand" and prices.
"As to the market, we are experiencing auspicious times for shrimp farming in the Northeast, which needs to be implemented," said the entrepreneur during an interview with the Brazilian newspaper.
"We hope this is a good year for shrimp farming, not only due to the growing demand of the domestic market, but also to the broad potential the international market offers," he added.
In Brazil, the main shrimp producing states are Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Sergipe, Paraíba and Piauí.
Related article:
- Environmental licenses hinder shrimp farming development
By Analia Murias
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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