About the Association

The Australian Prawn Farmer's Association (APFA) was formed in 1993 to represent the interests and foster the development of the Australian prawn farming industry.  The Association employs a full-time Executive Officer and has established offices at South Brisbane.

The Australian prawn farming industry produces over 3,800 tonnes of product annually with a farm gate value in excess of $68 million and provides some 800 direct jobs and 1800 indirect jobs.  Whilst the Australian industry is one of the smaller volumetric producers in the world, it leads the world in productivity with an average yield of 4,000 kg per hectare. Farms are located in four Australian states - New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Our Goal - $200m by 2005

The industry's potential economic and environmental contribution to our community is substantial.  APFA have set a goal of $200 million at the farm gate by 2005.  It is expected that within the next twenty years the industry will provide 7,000 direct jobs and 21,000 indirect jobs with a farm gate value in excess of $780 million.  Value adding opportunities for wholesalers and retailers will increase by an estimated $400m.

Protecting the Environment

Successful prawn farming relies on a sustainable and clean coastal resource.  The industry is currently regulated by local, state and in some areas, commonwealth laws to ensure a high standard of protection for the environment. 

Global and domestic markets are demanding food products which are healthy and produced in a sustainable manner.  The Australian prawn farming industry is determined to meet the highest environmental standards and set the global environmental benchmark for aquaculture.  The Australian industry will market this standard to the world.

Food Safety & Quality

The Association has implemented an industry-wide Food Safety & Quality Program to meet consumer demands for safe, quality seafood.  Implementation of the Safe Food & Quality Program guarantees safe food for delivery to the market, assists industry to comply with food safety legislation, labelling laws and market requirements, and results in improved product quality.

Under the Safe Food & Quality Program each Australian prawn farm is audited annually by independent third-party auditors, SGS Australia.  The Program is regarded by state Health Authorities as the model food safety program for Australian seafood producers.

Research & Development

The Australian prawn farming industry funds its research and development through a legislated levy on production.  The levy leverages approximately $500,000 per year from the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation and other federal funding agencies for investment in prawn research and development.

 APFA members have developed an R&D Plan which details R&D priorities for the period 2000-2005.  The levy, combined with the R&D Plan will ensure that industry maintains strong influence over the future direction of industry R&D.  R&D priorities and projects are managed by the APFA R&D Committee.

Industry Support

The Association has the very strong support of the industry at all levels with in excess of 95% coverage of growers.  These facts, combined with the economic potential of the industry ensure that APFA has a very strong voice at all levels of government.  APFA is also a member of the National Aquaculture Council, Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation and the Queensland Farmer's Federation.

Visit the Australian Prawn Farmers Association Web site: click here