Brazil’s fishing industry is preparing for a crucial European Union audit next month that could reopen the European market to Brazilian fish exports after nearly 10 years.
The issue was the focus of the 27th Ordinary Meeting of the Sectorial Chamber of Fish Production and Industry (CSPES), held on Monday at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) in Brasília.
The EU mission, scheduled for June 8–19, will include inspections of industrial fishing vessels in Rio Grande do Norte and Santa Catarina. Industry and government representatives reviewed preparations and progress made by the working group coordinating Brazil’s response.
Eduardo Lobo, president of ABIPESCA and CSPES, said the sector is confident heading into the audit.
“We are prepared and we will succeed. We will flood Europe with our tilapia and tuna will once again occupy its space in the European Union,” he said.
Marcel Moreira Pinto, director of MAPA’s Department of Non-Tariff and Sustainability Negotiations, called the audit a milestone for the industry.
“A historic moment for the sector. We are ready to receive the audit. This will be the largest delivery to the fish sector in the last 10 years,” he said.
ABIPESCA Executive Director Jairo Gund emphasized collaboration between industry and government.
“It is a herculean effort. This is the time to be the Brazilian team, we play together,” he said.
The meeting also covered new traceability regulations, quality standards for frozen fish products, progress on exports of Siluriformes fish to the United States, and industry requests related to frozen pink shrimp processing and inspection requirements.
Image source: Getty
