the potential of english trout farms to increase output with special reference to the danish model...
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Post on 09-May-2015
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By David BassettTRANSCRIPT
Structure Current structure and
value of the English industry
A brief history of the Danish Model Farm experience
Potential for the application of the Danish experience within England
Other strategies for sustainable growth
Conclusions
Current size and value of the sector (UK) Table Farming- English Table Farming- Organic (Brown) Trout
Production
Restocking FarmingBrownRainbow
Trout Fisheries (E&W)
Plus value of processed andvalue added product andassociated angling activity.
FSV = £22 million c.6,000 tonnes 200 tonnes – and declining
FSV = £10 million 3,100 (18%) tonnes 350 (2%) tonnes
£ 150 million
Large Trout
Current Market Trends Sales have remained constant, but lack
of growth is due to shortage in production.
Demand for the product is increasing Shortfall being met by imports. Ex farm prices remain low (around cost
of production) Hope for improvement with regard to
ownership of the sector Low “Carbon Footprint” (compared to
other food groups) Low environmental impact (compared
to other food groups – e.g. Water use) Healthy and nutritious product (omega
3, selinium etc) Referenced in Government backed
healthy and nutrition advice (FSA, goodtoeat etc)
General Industry Observations Health message well known Political healthy eating messages
are a bonus Strong support for aquaculture in
the devolved regions (WAG, SFSA)
Key trend for locally sourced produce emerging (Wales, Scotland)
80% of UK trout farmed is consumed in the southern half of England, but only half of that is farmed there
Trout production is more than farming – UK (and beyond) integrated industry wrt production, processing, distribution and consumption of product
A Brief History of the “Model Farm” Traditional river based
trout farming What is a “model” farm? The two types of model
farm: Type I / Type III Why did the Danish
embrace the “model farm” strategy?
Production Water SourceTons per year of fish / feed
Water Inflow Re-Circulating Biofilter
Portion Trout Borehole 1100 / 984 100 litre per sec 450 litre per sec Yes
An Example Model Farm
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Model Farm
+ Use less water Improved farm design Allow for more intensive
farming at a greater level of stocking density
More efficient use of energy (specifically with regard to oxgyenation of water)
- Rely on appropriate location,
groundwater etc Standard energy costs Product quality issues (taint /
geosmin build up) Parasite build up (ich) Problems with antibiotics
and other treatments in the event of disease
Unsuitable for all types of farming enterprise
Capital investment costs Nitrate levels in discharge
Where there is not potential Restocking
The most valuable sector and supporting an angling industry worth £150million
Where there is not an issue with water resource – Yorkshire
Where geography and geology does not permit (groundwater).
Where there is insufficient profitabilty to set up and pay running costs!
Where biosecurity cannot be maintained / assured
Potential for application with England There is...!
But: As always with trout farming,
site specific Capital start up costs are very
high – level of profitability not in the industry to cover it without significant grant funding (EFF) and over time.
Some (partial) re-circ technology may be employed, or “model” parts of an existing farm – e.g. Hatcheries
Other strategies for sustainable growth
Access to freshwater sites – cage / river sites – but is this likely?
Intensification of farming (permitted w.r.t. discharges etc)
Improved and strategic cooperation within the industry
Maximise access to funding sources
Broodstock improvement and development
Improved efficiency in the farming method (decrease mortalities and improve output)
Improved price and profitability to encourage production etc
Continued marketing and promotion of the product at all levels
Conclusions: The English trout market is
strong At present demand is
increasing Trout is an excellent product Consumption of trout fits
with Defra and FSA advice on fish consumption
There are benefits to the Danish model farm system
There are serious drawbacks also.
The costs are high Replication of the Danish
model cannot be the easy answer for the English sector, but relevant to certain sites
There is a requirement to look to alterative and additional strategies to improve production and efficiency