US catfish industry leader optimistic - if federal assistance
USA: Roger Barlow, president of the Catfish Institute (CFI) and the executive director of Catfish Farmers of America (CFA) remains very positive about the future for his industry. In an interview with Tennessee based Delta Farm Press, Mr. Barlow is downplaying the current problems facing the industry and insists the industry will weather the storm.
He agrees that farmers are losing money on the fish they grow because their operating costs have skyrocketed. This is much due to increased fuel and feed costs, while the prices for catfish products have not followed suit.
Mr. Barlow is asking for federal assistance with the higher oil and feed cost, not only for his industry, but for all protein producers.
As many farms are closing, the industry as such is shrinking, but he does not think it will disappear. He believes the farmers need about USD 1.00 to USD 1.15 per pound in order to break even. Currently they receive between USD 0.80 and USD 0.85.
Mr. Barlow recently participated in a marketing trip to Canada. They would like to open the Canadian markets and find the timing interesting due to the current favorable exchange rate which is opening new opportunities. Some processors are already selling successfully in Canada, but there is opportunity for others as well, according to Mr. Barlow.
