Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Yenry Urrea, said that the country is producing 7000 tons of pacu a year, compared with 2000 tonnes in 2009.
"Shrimp is also in full recovery to the point that we are projecting to 22,000 tonnes by the end of 2013. In Venezuela, we have the best ecological conditions for the exploitation of this species and we also have obtained certification from the US FDA and the European Union. We plan to expand export to South Africa, Russia and Asia," he explained.
He stressed that this increase is due in part to the comprehensive support the State has provided to smallholders.
"The mission is to continue to provide financial, technical and policy support to encourage aquaculture in Venezuela and so that by the year 2019, we will have the ability to export between 50 and 60 thousand tons of shrimp from 15 to 18 grams each, in addition to increasing cachama and trout farms,"said the Deputy Minister.
