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Resolutions voted at the
Presidents' Meeting of the F.E.A.P.
(2001 - Bordeaux, France)
 Future development of the market situation for farmed fish
RESOLUTION 1
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET SITUATION FOR FARMED FISH
At the Presidents Meeting of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, held on the 6th October 2001, it was decided to draw the attention of the European Commission to the present and future development of the market situation for farmed fish, both globally and within the European Community.
For a long time the aquaculture industry in Europe has made important and continuous efforts to develop in a responsible and, in all respects, sustainable manner. The establishment of a good balance between supply and demand is considered of major importance for stable market development, representing a responsibility that has to be shared by all parties involved.
The European aquaculture producers have succeeded in creating a sector within fisheries of continuously increasing importance, which can offer the consumers safe food of high quality evenly throughout the year. However, the industry remains vulnerable to sudden and rapid changes of the supply and demand on both the European and world markets. At the present, the situation seen in different areas of the European Community is giving reason for deep concern as to the viability of several parts of the European aquaculture industry – particularly for producers of Large Rainbow Trout and Sea Bass and Sea Bream.
The general feeling within the aquaculture production sector is that increased knowledge among the consumers about European aquaculture and the products offered is a key issue for the immediate future. Furthermore, the industry urgently needs more detailed information about the consumers’ perceptions and expectations concerning different aquaculture products. This is necessary in order to plan and secure a stable market situation for the sector, with increased market shares in the European Union and a better balance between total supply and demand – taking into consideration both EU-production as well as production and imports from third countries.
The FEAP thus appeals to the European Commission to take appropriate actions to conduct and finance a thorough, complete market and consumer study for key aquaculture products, mainly Large Rainbow Trout, Portion-size Trout, Sea Bass and Sea Bream.
The FEAP also want to take the opportunity to remind the Commission of a similar request by the Federation made earlier, which has yet to result in reply or reaction from the Commission.
The FEAP is strongly convinced that much more attention should be given to achieving market studies and promotional efforts in order to stabilise and control the ever-increasing supply of farmed products on the world markets. Such efforts should focus on consolidating and developing the European aquaculture industry for the future. This is work where the sector is able and willing to contribute, within the framework of the FEAP as well as its different national member associations.
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