IN THIS UPDATE
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From the SSA Managing Director
This issue of SSA Update includes updates on several trade and market access issues following solid efforts by AQIS, SSA and others to resolve the priority issues set by the Seafood Access Forum. We also have an overview of the AQIS reform agenda being implemented to offset the increased costs to exporters following the move to 100% cost recovery for AQIS export services.
There is also an update on the development of formal Australian Standard for Seafood Safety Standard which aims to reduce duplication of audits and costs to enable seafood businesses.
The health benefits of seafood is in the news and we have links to recent high profile reports, including calls for the US FDA to revise its seafood advisory.
Other articles include a summary of the outcomes of the SSA Board meeting held in Eden in May, links to the latest SSA reports and submissions, a list of recent updates to the SSA website, and an overview of the Brand Schemes and Fish Names sections of the SSA website.
We also have a new section that will feature some key products available from the Seafood Bookshop. This month we look at the How to Guide for Seafood Traceability Technologies.
Please keep up the feedback which is helping us to focus SSA Update on your needs. Email: ssa@seafoodservices.com.au.
TED LOVEDAY, SSA MANAGING DIRECTOR
SSA Board Meeting
The SSA Board meet in Eden on 19 May 2010. Outcomes include:
SSA Membership - How to Apply
SSA's current members are Seafood Experience Australia, National Aquaculture Council and Sydney Fish Market. Seafood industry organisations and businesses with objectives that are compatible with the objectives of SSA may apply to become a member. For a SSA membership information kit email ssa@seafoodservices.com.au.
Latest SSA Reports & Submissions
The following reports and submissions are now available on the SSA website.
SSA Network & Seafood Access Forum Meetings in Darwin
The next SSA Network and Seafood Access Forum (SAF) meetings are being held in Darwin on 19 August 2010.
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DON'T MISS: International Seafood & Health Conference: Melbourne, November 2010
Don't miss the International Seafood and Health Conference being held in Australia for the first time this November. The conference and associated exhibition (hosted by SEA and SSA) will communicate the very latest medical research findings on the health aspects of seafood (including child nutrition, brain nutrition, nutrition, the role of fish and seafood in human cognitive development, diabetes, heart health), education issues in nutrition and public health, and importantly sustainability of fisheries resources and aquaculture. Put this important date in your diary now. More information on the conference website. Seafood and Health News
Improved seafood consumption advice urged by FAO & WHO
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization have jointly published a report that says governments worldwide need to do a better job emphasizing the health benefits of eating seafood, particularly the benefits to the heart and brain. Full article ..
Pregnant women should be allowed to eat more fish
Pregnant women should be encouraged by the Government to eat at least two portions of fish a week to reduce the risk of their children developing brain disorders, a group of leading nutrition experts have claimed. Full article ..
Study: Eating fish vital to human evolution
01 June, 2010 - A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found that seafood played an important role in human brain evolution. Full article ..
Seafood diet behind big brains
Our love of seafood goes way back. Archaeologists have found crocodiles, turtles and fish were eaten by early humans almost 2 million years ago.
According to the study’s researchers, this is the oldest evidence for a diet containing aquatic animals. And the nutrients they provided could have fuelled the evolution of our large human brains, the boffins added. Full article ..
FDA urged to revise seafood advisory
28 May, 2010 - Two prominent nutritionists are urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to revise its 2004 seafood advisory targeting pregnant and lactating women, citing a "consistent stream" of new studies highlighting the health benefits of seafood consumption, especially the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish. Full article ..
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R&D and Grants Programs and Calls
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AQIS Reform Agenda for Fish Export Certification
In April 2009, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry established six joint Industry – AQIS Ministerial Taskforces (MTF) representing each of the affected export sectors (dairy, fish, grain, horticulture, live animals and meat) to explore delivery arrangements for AQIS export certification and inspection services to promote efficiencies and to improve productivity.
The Fish MTF is making good progress on the implementation of its reform agenda: a detailed work plan has been prepared which provides scope and focus to the reform agenda; a project manager is being engaged to undertake a pivotal role in the implementation of the work plan; and work is commencing on the business process mapping project. Other projects that will be undertaken include service delivery (audit), market access review, IT enhancements, financial analysis and legislative review. More information www.daff.gov.au/ecrp.
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Australian Standard for Seafood Safety to Remove Red tape
The need for a formal Australian Standard for Seafood Safety that is supported and recognised by regulators, industry and seafood retailers was highlighted in the SSA Report on the Costs of Regulatory Compliance Costs in the Australian Seafood Industry. The Standard is needed to enable seafood businesses to meet regulatory and market requirements for food safety, without undertaking multiple, duplicative food safety audits.
SSA is an accredited Standards Development Organisation under Standards Australia. In this capacity SSA is currently preparing to commence development of the Australian Standard for Seafood Safety. The process for developing the Standard needs to comply will Standards Australia's standards development process. Accordingly, all seafood industry stakeholders, relevant government agencies and seafood retailers will be involved in developing the Standard. The process will be transparent and involve significant industry and public consultation.
Keep informed: join our Seafood Safety Standard mailing list.
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TRADE
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Seafood Trade & Market Access Updates
AQIS Market Access Notices for Fish and Seafood:
For updates on the following trade issues logon to the Trade & Market Access Database and then click on the relevant link below:
CODEX documents for comment
Go to the Codex Consultation page on the SSA website to download Codex consultation documents. There is also an overview of the various Codex committees relevant to seafood and seafood products.
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Globefish Publications
SSA receives Globefish publications as Australia’s Member of Globefish. To download these publications logon to the Seafood Trade & Market Access Database and click on Seafood Trade & Market Publications (GLOBEFISH & Others) link. Recent Globefish publications include:
- Globefish European Price Report, April 2010
- Globefish Seafood Highlights: April 2010
- Globefish Commodity Update – Shrimp: February 2010
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Australian Seafood Brand UPDATE
SSA and Seafood Experience Australia (SEA) project with Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL) is resulting in an increased number of seafood businesses becoming licensed to brand and promote their seafood using the well established and trusted Australian Made, Australian Grown brand and logo.
The number of businesses becoming licensed is expected to further increase when the Australian Seafood representation, which will provide a tool for industry to promote its world leading environmental management practices, is available for use with the logo - watch this space.
More information | Join our Australian Seafood Brand mailing list
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SSA Website: Seafood Brand Schemes
The brand scheme initiatives listed below provide seafood businesses with tools to promote Australian seafood to their customers and potential customers. Follow the links for information on how you can become involved.
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SSA Website: Fish Names
The Fish Names section in the SSA website gives you access to all the information you need on how to comply with the Australia Fish Names Standard, apply to add or amend a standard fish name, and to comment on standard fish name proposals. The links are:
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Seafood CRC News
The Australian Seafood CRC has been awarded the prize for excellence in innovation by the CRC Association. Full story ..
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SSA Mid-Term Review
The independent mid-term review into the performance of SSA has been completed. The review report is currently with the FRDC Board. The review gave a positive report card on SSA’s performance. An overview will be included in a future SSA Update when the report is publicly available.
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Australasian Aquaculture 2010 Conference a success
Over 900 people attended the Australasian Aquaculture 2010 in Hobart in May. Outcomes and presentations will be available on the conference website soon.
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Australian Government Sustainable Fisheries Assessments
SSA's website provides easy-to-follow links to access the Commonwealth Government's assessment of fisheries against the Australian Government's Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries.
More information ..
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Seafood Bookshop: Feature Product
This guide and decision tool helps you to select a cost effective traceability system for your business that:
- provides brand protection and integrity
- increases efficiency of your business and your supply chain
- implements seafood safety and recall
- meets statutory obligations for key markets
- achieves market access – customers may demand it.
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SSA Website UPDATES
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Join SSA Mailing Lists
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Join SSA on Facebook
Join SSA on Facebook to access and share even more networks and information.
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