Sustainability, competitiveness and innovation were among the topics of a two-day seminar for members of Ireland’s oyster farming sector.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, hosted the seminar in association with IFA Aquaculture. There were presentations from IFA Aquaculture on where we are as an industry, the latest BIM initiatives which aim to further promote sustainability, innovation and competitiveness in the oyster sector as well as some of the more innovative approaches from industry to further develop their businesses.
BIM’s chief executive, Jim O’Toole, said: “The demand for Irish oysters continues to increase in Ireland and overseas. Consumers in Europe and Asia are actively seeking out Irish oysters and cite the unique characteristics and diversity in taste between brands.”
Delegates learnt about some of the results from BIM’s Bluefish Climate Change project, funded by the Ireland Wales Programme. There was an overview of the current trade position and opportunities for further expansion.
Bord Bia highlighted oyster promotional events in Europe throughout 2020 and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland went through some of the possible implications of Brexit in terms of food safety regulations.
Speakers from the Marine Institute, the SFPA and other industry experts looked at topics such as water quality biosecurity, biotoxins and other environmental factors which significantly affect both oyster production and trade
The final aspect of the workshop comprised an informed panel discussion, based on the presentations. It also addressed questions posed by workshop attendees.
