The Brazilian government has decided to regulate organic fish, crustacean and mollusc production, with the goal of farming less intensively and focusing more on quality.
The announcement was made by the head of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA), Ideli Salvatti, during the Eighth National Shrimp Fair (Fenacam) held in Natal, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
The new regulation was established in an inter-ministerial policy statement that was signed by Salvatti, and that will soon be subscribed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.
The government's objective is to set technical standards for organic aquaculture production systems.
"The Organic Law in Brazil, which took effect earlier this year, was valid for different species of animals and plants, but did not consider the fishing industry," explained the minister.
Salvatti pointed out that many producers are producing organic fish, but at the moment she cannot attest to the quality of the products due to the lack of rules.
For example, it was mentioned that four major shrimp producers in the north-eastern area use farming systems that provide more space to the crustaceans and do not employ antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals.
"Without the certification, the production ceases to have the value it deserves in the domestic market and cannot be exported. The new legislation fills that void," stated the minister.
FIS (www.fis.com)
