2013/752 Setting Directions for the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA)

By Chris Calogeras

The Australian Barramundi farming industry has seen constant growth in production and price over the last 10 years, but the industry is facing threats from a number of sources. The Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA), which represents the vast majority of producers and over 85% of farm production, has taken a leading role in seeking to address these threats. To maintain viability, and increase growth and profitability, an industry developed, endorsed and resourced, program based, Strategic and RD&E Plan was required to provide the ABFA with clear direction on where to focus resources and investment.

An inclusive face to face interview process was undertaken, liaising with all ABFA members to gather key industry issues across the diverse industry membership (regional and production system). This process allowed all members to equally contribute to the plan’s development. These industry issues were workshopped through a series of Industry meetings, and distilled into priority industry needs. These were developed into seven industry Goals and associated Strategies, and the resourcing required to address those goals across the industry’s regional and production methodology diversity was identified.

As a result, the ABFA has already adopted the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association Strategic and Research, Development and Extension Plan - 2015–2020, which provides clear and formalised guidance on ABFA's activities. The focussed and strategic program based approach means the ABFA is much better positioned to optimise its financial and human resources through a structured RD&E program, complimented by a coordinated extension program.