AQUACULTURE FARMERS RECOGNISED
Category:Updates27 February 2024
Katherine Hawes, chairperson of the Association of International Seafood Professionals (AISP) which has allied with Prism Scientific Services Ltd (PSS) to create the Aqua Farm 2024 Conference and Expo, has made a bold statement to ensure that more farmers can take advantage of the event.
“The more we communicate with our farmers and their staff the more we hear of their issues of life getting harder rather than easier. Cost of production increases are biting, assistance from governments negligible and buyers are constantly communicating about the need for cheaper products. As a result, as much as they can see the value in our event at SeaWorld, Gold Coast, from May 14 to May 17, 2024, they are reluctant to commit to themselves or staff attending,” said Katherine.
“AISP has discussed this in detail internally and with our partners PSS and has funded a new arrangement for all aquaculture farming organisations who employ 20 people or less. This will be $290 for 3 days or a daily fee of $150. For this each delegate will be able to engage with the speakers, workshops, round tables and the expo and cover morning/afternoon teas and lunch. These charges are well below cost, but AISP will cover the differences in our arrangements with PSS.” Katherine added.
The logistics of this are if you meet the criteria of being an aquaculture farming operation employing less than 20 people then you need to send an email to seafoodsdg@outlook.com with a Subject Heading – AF24 FARMER stating:
‘Our organisation meets the criteria of employing 20 people or less.
The names of the people attending AF24 are (list the names)
We farm (name the species)
Organisation name, address, telephone number
Name of person responsible at Organisation’
Upon approval you will be sent a special code which will enable you to take advantage of this recognition when booking through the normal registration website www.aquacultureconference.com.au .
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing global primary industry, and Australia has the third largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), so Australia’s potential future opportunities should be bright.
According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), forecasts aquaculture will produce sixty-four percent of Australia’s seafood by 2027. Yet, in global terms, Australia makes less than one percent of global aquaculture and Australia is currently reliant on imported product to meet the demand. The aquaculture industry in Australia does not have a regular ‘standalone’ event/conference and AISP/PSS believe by bringing people together we can change the world.