Foreign News
Revolutionising salmon farming in China
September-October . 2024 | @ AGROBiz
Foreign News
07
USDA boosts trade support
IN response to the ongoing absence of a new farm bill , the US Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is allocating an additional US $ 300 million to support agricultural exporters . This move aims to offset funding gaps and assist farmers in remaining competitive amid a challenging global market .
The expected farm bill , which was anticipated to provide significant trade funding , has faced delays and hopes for its passage this year have dimmed as Congress enters its August recess with unresolved issues surrounding climate and nutrition funding .
The USDA ’ s initiative follows the establishment of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Programme ( RAPP ) after the extension of the 2018 farm bill last fall .
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Xochitl Torres Small highlighted the strong interest in the previous funding round , noting that it led to over a billion dollars in proposals .
“ Given the importance of exports in supporting farm income and rural economic development , we ’ re delighted to be able to make an additional
RICE export prices in Thailand have surged to their highest level in two months , driven by a stronger baht and rising concerns about global supply disruptions . This week , Thailand ’ s five per cent broken rice traded at US $ 580 per tonne , an increase from last week ’ s US $ 570 .
A trader in Bangkok explained that the stronger baht is the main factor behind this price rise , although overall market activity remains subdued .
He noted : “ Deliveries are going smoothly for existing orders , and the current water levels are adequate , so supply issues are not an immediate concern .”
In Bangladesh , the situation is more dire as floods continue to ravage the country , leading to anticipated shortages in rice
Rice prices hit new highs
production . The floods have already claimed 23 lives , and the impact on rice supply could lead to further price hikes . The severe weather has raised concerns about the country ’ s ability to maintain adequate rice stocks .
Meanwhile , in Vietnam , the price of five per cent broken rice remains stable at US $ 578 per tonne . The quiet trading atmosphere is attributed to traders awaiting the results of a significant tender from Indonesia ’ s state purchasing agency , Bulog , expected on Sep 5 .
“ The market is holding back in anticipation of this tender and the upcoming holiday ,” a trader from the Mekong Delta commented .
In India , the price of five per cent broken parboiled rice is steady at US $ 540-US $ 545
US $ 300 million available this year ,” Small stated .
The agricultural trade deficit is projected to reach a record $ 34 billion for the fiscal year 2024 , marking only the fourth deficit in the past 50 years , according to the American Farm Bureau Federation .
Farm groups have been advocating for increased funding and new free trade agreements to develop new markets and mitigate losses from reduced Chinese purchases .
In addition to supporting domestic needs , the USDA is exploring new trade opportunities in Africa , setting aside $ 25 million in RAPP grants for initiatives on the continent . Despite Africa ’ s rapid economic growth , it has historically received minimal US export market investment , making it a promising area for expansion .
per tonne . The price disparity between Indian rice and other sources has narrowed to just US $ 10 to US $ 30 per tonne , a significant shift from earlier months when Indian rice was much cheaper .
Additionally , India has increased the procurement price for new-season rice paddy by 5.4 per cent , setting it at 2,300 rupees per 100 kg , reflecting changes in domestic market conditions .
Revolutionising salmon farming in China
THE Nordic ( China ) RAS landbased salmon aquaculture project in Gaotangdaoxiang , Xiangshan County , Zhejiang Province , China , has reached its total production capacity .
This pioneering facility , the first of its kind in Asia to use Recirculating Aquaculture System ( RAS ) technology , is now producing Atlantic salmon that is regularly supplied to restaurants and supermarkets across the Yangtze River Delta .
Each week , the plant ships over 70 tonnes of salmon , contributing to an anticipated annual production value of approximately 300 million yuan .
This initiative marks a significant foreign investment in Zhejiang ’ s marine biology sector , employing advanced Norwegian aquaculture methods . The facility sources its water from the East China Sea , subjecting it to rigorous filtration , disinfection , and oxygenation processes to create an optimal environment for Atlantic salmon .
The project ’ s success heavily relies on a consistent electricity supply , which is crucial for maintaining the water quality and temperature needed for the salmon . To support this , State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power has conducted comprehensive onsite evaluations . Their tasks include inspecting electrical systems for safety and ensuring the proper functioning of equipment that manages water circulation and quality .
According to State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power : “ Ensuring the smooth operation of these systems is vital for producing high-quality salmon .”
Looking ahead , the facility plans to expand its capacity to 20,000 tonnes annually . This expansion aims to lessen China ’ s dependence on imported salmon and address the issues of high costs and freshness often associated with imported products .
State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power is working closely with the facility to develop an energyefficient power plan and coordinate future power requirements to keep the project on track .