June 14, 2022

FAO expects 1.5% growth in aquaculture output this year to 184.6 million tonnes

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation expects worldwide fisheries and aquaculture output to increase 1.5% to 184.6 million tonnes this year in its latest "Food Outlook" report, FAO reported.

According to FAO's projections, the aquaculture sector's growth recovered from last year, rising by 2.9% to 92.2 million tonnes.

The FAO said that this figure should be interpreted with caution because input costs are on a long-term upward trend, which, along with other factors such as energy costs, is contributing to a 0.25 year-on-year slowdown in growth.

Forecasts of supply and demand for food commodities, fish and fishery products, as well as price analysis and policy information, are included in the report. This report's special section focuses on recent trends in global food trade, with a particular focus on how commodity flows were measured during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fisheries and aquaculture products are among the most widely traded food commodities, with over 225 countries and territories participating and a total value of US$150 billion per year.

Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, said supply shortages for traditional fish species, rising transportation and fuel costs, and overall price increases have resulted in altered consumer behaviour and demand adjustments, affecting how fisheries and aquaculture products are produced and traded.

He said the sector can help with social inclusion, poverty alleviation, and food security by generating income for small-scale producers, improving nutrition, and reducing global imbalances. He also stated that the sector is very inclusive of women, particularly in processing activities.

-      UN Food and Agriculture Organisation