41. Following the review of the current status of mollusc farming, sanitation and marketing in the countries represented, the workshop concluded that action was required to secure remunerative markets for present and future production. The sustained development of mollusc culture in the region has the potential of providing relatively cheap animal protein, foreign currency earnings and employment generation.
42. In the discussion, it became apparent that there was a need to improve the marketing systems of the present production and to expand and create markets for future production at the domestic, regional and interregional levels.
43. To this effect, the uses of mollusc for food, animal feed and non-food applications should be considered. It was also considered necessary to analyze marketing arrangements, identify and correct market imperfections, improve marketing information, study price formation processes and distribution of bargaining power. Furthermore, it was considered important to make efforts for product development and diversification and to produce value-added products.
44. These actions should be directed to improve the image of mollusc products with consumers, to be facilitated by promotional and informational campaigns. Possibilities for technical cooperation among NACA member countries should be identified and use for technology transfer and training.
45. The workshop recommended that NACA, in consultation and cooperation with FAO, should elaborate and implement an action programme to include the elements listed below. Financing of the programme should be sought from donor governments and international technical and financial cooperation agencies.
| Activity | Proposed Cooperating Agency | Starting Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | National surveys on the marketing of molluscs. | FAO (FIIU), Infofish, SEAFDEC, BOBP, and ICLARM, (AFSSRN) | Jan. 1990 |
| 2. | Comparative study on samples of expanding mollusc markets. | FAO (FIIU, ADCP, Infonetwork), GFCM, EIFAC | Jan. 1990 |
| 3. | Study of the possibilities for technology transfer and training in the region. | 1990 | |
| 4. | Programme for the promotion of domestic/local mollusc consumption, including improvement of handling, processing, storage, transport, upgrading of product quality, consumer education and demand promotion. | FAO (FIIU) | June 1990 (Proposal) |
| 5. | Study of specific export market opportunities, including import requirements and opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore and outside the region. | Infofish | TBA |
| 6. | Collection and dissemination of information on uses of mollusc other than food, such as animal feed, ornamental crafts, medicine, fertilizer, building materials and within the aquaculture system. | Jan. 1990 | |
| 7. | Elaboration of proposals regarding other marketing related aspects such as producer's organizations, pilot-processing stations, credit and marketing information. | TBA | TBA |
| N.B. | Regarding activity nos. 4 and 5, the principal species to be considered will be mussel, oyster, clam, cockles, scallops and gastropods. | ||
