Aquaculture for all

Reducing Fish Production Costs a Priority for Brazilian Ministers

Economics +1 more

BRAZIL - The Brazilian minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Helder Barbalho, said recently that the reduction of the fishing industry's production cost is one of your priorities folder.

Mr Helder was participating in the television programme 'Good morning, Minister' produced by the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency in partnership with EBC Services.

For 30 minutes, the minister was questioned by broadcasters from eight states.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Harvest Plan 2015/2016, which will offer 2 billion Brazilian Real in resources with special credit lines to stimulate growth of the sector, was the main subject discussed.

He defended the equalisation of tax benefits of fish production with those granted to other sectors of protein production, thereby helping to increase production.

"The goal is to get out of 760,000 tons to 1 million tons in the area of catch and 600 thousand tons to 700 thousand tons to 2 million tons in aquaculture," he said.

The objective of the plan, according to Mr Helder, is to meet with people from the artisanal fishermen to fish industry professionals, and to encourage the private sector, such as the manufacture of feed and refrigerators.

"We want to encourage producers so there is this meeting of interests that this plan not only helps Brazil to develop, but contributes to social inclusion," he said.

So that targets are being met, the ministry has identified seven states with greater capacity for expansion.

In aquaculture, Mr Helder want to mobilise states to simplify and expedite the environmental licensing and water concession processes.

The minister also highlighted the country's potential to develop the sector, since it is the "largest freshwater province of the planet and has 8500 kilometers of ocean coastline", and has enough grain to feed production.

Create an account now to keep reading

It'll only take a second and we'll take you right back to what you were reading. The best part? It's free.

Already have an account? Sign in here