It should be emphasized that activity by both public agencies and producers can have positive effects on markets, that effort in this area should be established and maintained. These efforts will include:
the control, management and monitoring of fish sales, including imports
the provision of physical infrastructure for auctioning, transportation, selling
the provision of physical infrastructure for processing
fish trade regulation
enforcement of legislation for the control of hygiene and quality
product research and development
development efforts to improve the organization of producers
the provision of market information
the stimulation of demand through public institutions purchasing policies
the stimulation of demand through promotional schemes
To cater for the present marketing and product development needs of an expanding aquaculture sector in Greece, the Government and industry should take action in the following main areas:
market intelligence
organization of producers
distribution systems
processing and product development capacities
The following recommendations for actions are offered:
That the Government establish a market research unit on a permanent basis to improve understanding of supplies and markets within Greece and in other countries.
That such a unit is independent of present Ministry of Agriculture marketing services but that it should collaborate with those services and establish close links with Etanal and the Agricultural Bank.
That the priorities for a market research unit be:
monitoring of supplies of fish and fish products
the analysis and monitoring of demand for fish and fish products within Greece and in other countries
the identification of market opportunities for fish and fish products
the regular publication of information on market parameters such as prices and predicted levels of supply
the analysis and monitoring of aquaculture production costs both within the country and abroad.
That producers organize themselves for joint marketing schemes to avoid future problems with the distribution of their products.
That producers establish quality control standards and schemes for sales of fresh fish and live molluscs in particular.
That the Government provide incentives and encouragement for joint marketing and quality control schemes and financial assistance for their related infrastructure.
That a detailed assessment of the system for the distribution of fish be carried out.
That the measures to regulate the trade be more rigorously applied.
That the need for investment in increased processing capacity for trout and eel be investigated and, if required, continue to be encouraged.
That further research and development effort into export markets for higher-value product forms for trout in particular be carried out.
