National BarramundiDay is being recognised for the first time today, and the Territory is home tothe largest barramundi farm in Australia, Humpty Doo Barramundi.
The salt-water barramundi producers have been recognisedextensively for their best-practice, sustainable barramundi farm, includingacknowledgment by Supermarket giant Woolworths as 2018 Sustainability Supplierof the Year.
Most recently, in September 2019 the farm was awarded theAustralian Government Landcare Farming Award.
Currently expanding their Middle Point operations due to beopened in December, Humpty Doo Barramundi employ around 90staff, and produce 3.5 million kilograms of barramundi each year.
Each year, seafood production contributes $155 million tothe Northern Territory economy and is responsible for generating nearly 1,000direct and indirect jobs.
The national day has been developed by the AustralianBarramundi Farmers Association to recognise sustainability of the industry, thefarmers who produce it and the restaurants who utilise it on their menus.
Territorians are encouraged to #askforaussiebarra next timethey go to purchase seafood over the counter or in restaurants.
As noted by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources,Paul Kirby:
The Territorys seafoodindustry creates around 1000 direct jobs and injects many millions of dollarsinto our economy each year.
Humpty Doo Barramundi makesa significant contribution to those export and job figures and are continuingto expand with the increasing demand for their premium product.
A surprising amount of barramundi is imported from overseasand consumers are largely unaware where it is from.National Barramundi Day shines a light on the commercial industry here in theNT and the importance of buying local.
As noted by Dan Richards, CEO, Humpty Doo Barramundi:
We are proud that our 100% Territory family owned andoperated farm contributes to the Northern Territorys economy and community byproducing a high-quality saltwater Barramundi that is in demand aroundAustralia and, increasingly, overseas.
This means we are able to provide more jobs and moreopportunities in aquaculture in the Northern Territory.
National Barramundi Day shines a spotlight on AustralianBarramundi farmers. We produce high-quality, sustainable Barramundi inAustralia. Choosing Australian-grown Barramundi supports jobs in Australia forthis growth industry.
