Trout farming

Press, 11 May 1979, Page 14

Trout farming

Sir, — Australia and New Zealand are experiencing unprecedented increases in consumer meat prices — primarily because of the price discrepancy between producer and consumer and the unstable market conditions that this creates. In Australia the now well-established trout farming is providing a viable economic alternative to seven days of meat. Prices are stable because of well-controlled overheads, operating costs and quality control. As a result, both restaurants and individuals are now looking toward trout as a desirable alternative to the übiquitous steak and Jamb-chops. Considering the somewhat ideal New Zealand conditions of clean, cold, available water and short transport distances, I am staggered that no trout farming appears to exist here. Looking at the disparity between Australian farmed trout and the muddy or tasteless natural fish and then tasting the New Zealand natural fish, the mind must boggle at the fish quality that could be created in controlled New Zealand trout farm conditions. — Yours, etc.. GORDON COPE-WILLIAMS, Romsev, Victoria. May 8." 1979.