Salmon farmers urged to specialise

IRISH salmon farmers were urged yesterday to focus on producing and marketing a niche premium product.

They were also advised to make a concerted effort to differentiate themselves from mass-produced output from Chile and Norway.

Salmon farmers were further urged to fully capitalise on Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s (BIM) world-class quality assurance and environmental initiatives.

BIM said support for the schemes will give farmers a competitive advantage and continue to rectify current industry difficulties.

Aquaculture development manager Donal Maguire called on the industry to view the current situation as an opportunity to rebuild the sector on more sustainable foundations.

“Worldwide, the price of salmon is on the increase and future prospects look good if the Irish industry can position itself to exploit this potential. Quality-assured Irish salmon is once again enjoying a price premium,” he said.

Mr Maguire said BIM believes this competitive advantage, and a firm industry commitment to continue developing the image of their product as a premium niche item, will lead to a positive change for growers.

Addressing the Irish Salmon Growers Association’s annual conference in Clifden, Co Galway, he called on the industry to embrace the State marketing and environmental initiatives.

Mr Maguire said BIM developed its initiatives with industry and other agencies to allow the Irish- farmed salmon sector and the aquaculture industry to develop in an environmentally and economically-sustainable manner.

“If you are willing to grasp this, the salmon farming industry will enjoy the excellent image it deserves and higher prices will flow from that,” he said.