TWO key messages came from the Aquaculture in the Murray-Darling Conference and Tradeshow.
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The event was held in Griffith and Yanco last weekend with the themes of aquaculture being a burgeoning industry and one investors are willing to put their money into.
Funded through the Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, the Freshwater Native Fish Association (FNFA) and NSW Aquaculture Association the event with input from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Numbers at the two-day conference exceeded expectations, according to DPI aquaculture manager Ian Lyall.
“There were 120 people there, usually at these type of events you may only get 60 or 70, so it was a fantastic result,” he said.
“I would also say quite a large proportion of attendees were investors interested in the aquaculture industry.”
The first day of the conference was held in Griffith and focused on a range of talks from guest speakers, activities and more. The second day was held at the Yanco Agricultural Institute, which included workshops, lectures and practical classes.
The fish industry is continuing to flourish in the region, with aquaculture company Timpetra recently announcing it has signed binding term sheets to acquire Riverina-based businesses, Riverina Aquaculture, Silverwater Native Fish and Bidgee Fresh Pty Ltd.
The purpose of the acquisition is for the breeding, growing and supply of premium Murray Cod to wholesalers, restaurants and export markets.
MIA businessmen Mathew Ryan and Roger Commins will become directors and major shareholders of the company. Mr Lyall said the conference had been a productive one.
“To have so many people come together to discuss the industry and talk about investing in it, is just fantastic,” he said.
“Lisa Ryan from the FNFA did a great job in organising the event and the feedback has been really fantastic.
“This is one of the largest growing industries in the country and there’s plenty of opportunity for it to grow in the MIA.” Aquaculture currently accounts for 40 per cent of total gross value of production for Australian fisheries.