A quality framework that builds the customer base, supports market differentiation, and industry profitability has been a long-term priority for the ABFA. While a good start has been made with the current ABFA certification program, it has its limitations in terms of acceptance, reach, and alignment with other schemes. Producers are wanting to support the ABFA scheme for its potential to differentiate Australian barramundi, but currently, they are also having to secure BAP certification to secure markets.
Industry quality standards for farmed Australian Barramundi need to be enhanced and implemented and promoted to markets.
The ABFA, Mainstream Aquaculture, and Pejo Holdings have formed a consortium and secured funds through Food Innovation Australia (FIAL) to undertake a large two part project to:
1. Enhance consumer traits through breeding – Mainstream Aquaculture confidential component
2. Enhance and implement quality standards for farmed Australian Barramundi.
It is the second part of the project that this application for IPA funds is concerned with.
To undertake this work, the consortium has committed $290,000 (including $40,000 from ABFA, $70,000 from Pejo and $180,000 from Mainstream); and now seeks $70,000 of industry funds held in the IPA. FIAL has approved funding of $360,000 contingent on matched industry funds to bring the total project budget to $720,000.
Final report
In 2018, the ABFA embarked on a program of work, in part supported by this project, to develop and trial industry quality standards for farmed Australian Barramundi, and assess capacity to assure supply chain integrity and provenance claims.