The solution is not to close our borders to the importation of fish, but to have a comprehensive plan for import substitution: Part two

By Professor Antonio Garza, Director, World Aquaculture Society

In my previous column in the September 2020 edition of International Aquafeed, we discussed the basic elements that a comprehensive plan for import substitution of fish and shellfish in Mexico should have:
 

1. Market analysis
2. Aquaculture development programmes
3. Professionalisation and capacity development
4. Investment and infrastructure programmes
5. Campaigns to promote the consumption of fish and shellfish
6. Market access and digitisation programmes
7. Support from associations

I will, in this column, touch on the basic elements that should be included in each of these points:

Market analysis: Before starting to produce something, we have to ensure that the product has a market and, above all, at a price higher than our cost of production. Historically in aquaculture, we have sometimes invested in production, hoping that we will find markets for our products, without first analysing the market situation. Tilapia, which was practically unknown a couple of decades ago, is today a product that has positioned itself in the heart and palate of consumers.

In Mexico, tilapia is processed very little and is generally sold whole. We have not yet been able to convince producers that the market is for a standardised, processed product that is easy to prepare. Yes, there are imports of whole tilapia, but the bulk of these are fillet. Likewise, the other great species that are imported in Mexico is only imported as fillets. One has to follow the golden rule: what you ask for is what the customer asks for.

Aquaculture development programmes: Once we define what we are going to produce, we need to define how. It is essential to have a wide catalogue of technological solutions that can be used depending on the different regions, climates, water availability and investment capacity. Technological solutions must be complemented with a true development plan that includes aquaculture management and growth potential. It is not about knowing how many bodies of water exist in Mexico, but what the carrying capacity of each of them is. Gradually, we must coordinate these studies to no longer speak of the probable, but the true potential of aquaculture in inland waters.

Read more, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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