Abalone farmer thrives after fighting off virus

AUSTRALIA - AFTER almost losing his business to last year's SARS virus scare a Narrawong abalone producer now plans to double the size of his plant. Victorian Mariculture Developments owner Tim Rudge yesterday received an $8000 grant to expand his export business during a visit by Victoria's Minister for Manufacturing and Export Tim Holding. Mr Rudge said he started the company, which now produces 70 tonne of abalone per year, in 1999.