May 11, 2010

Brazil's shrimp output to rise this year

The Brazilian Association of Shrimp Breeders (ABCC) estimates that shrimp production in Rio Grande del Norte, the heart of the country's shrimp farming industry, will reach 27,000 tonnes in 2010, an increase of 17.4% over 2009. 

The state needs to increase production to meet domestic demand and to prevent Brazil from becoming an importer of shrimp. Currently, Brazil restricts imports from many shrimp farming countries to prevent the entry of shrimp diseases.

However, the country may not be able to withhold the barrier to imports if domestic shrimp production does not increase, said Itamar Rocha, president of ABCC.

"The problem of resorting to imports is that other countries have lower production costs, and we do not have conditions to compete on fair ground," said Newton Bacurau, president of the North-Rio Grande Association of Shrimp Breeders.

Meanwhile, preparations for the National Shrimp Fair (FENACAM) are underway, which will be held in Natal, the capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, from June 7-10, 2010, with the slogan "Aquaculture: The Alternative for Increasing Fish Production in Brazil".

The organisers of the event contend that some 10,000 visitors will attend the fair along with some 800 scientists.

At the same time, the 7th International Symposium of Shrimp Farming and 4th International Symposium on Aquaculture will be held.