http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/rural/story/1119656.html
ASMI optimistic on budget increase as Gov. Parnell requests additional $1 million in state support
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Laws for the Sea] by Bob Tkacz -
Juneau- Feb 2, 2010 - The legislature's formal review of Gov. Sean Parnell's request for a $1 million increase in
state cash support for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute begins with a House Finance Subcommittee hearing
at
5:00 this Tuesday, Feb. 2.
governor for a $2.3 million increase but Parnell is asking lawmakers for only $1 million. The budget hike is being
sought to partially replace annual multi-million federal grants from the defunct Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board,
and a reduction in US Dept. of Agriculture funding from the 'Market Access Program' that covers the overwhelming
majority of
assessment of 0.5% on
the value of their production, paid by processors of
$8
million in recent years.
If
the legislature gives
will have an $18.7 million budget for the next year. Riutta was optimistic about the chances to reach that goal. 'In my
discussions on the hill our budget seems to be reasonably accepted by most of the people,' Riutta said. Jan 29. Since
the session began on Jan. 19, Riutta said he has spoken personally with about half of the 60 lawmakers, including
Rep.
Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak).
|
Two
|
|
International
price of fish meal and oil rising to new highs |
|
SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [BANR Japan Report] - Fabruary 2, 2010 - International fish meal prices keep rising to new highs amid rumor of reduced fish catch next season; prices of fish oil are also firming. International prices of imported fish meal still remain
on a firm tone. As of late in January, the prices of prime-grade fish meal
for fish farming from northern $1,800 per ton F.O.B., which was an increase of around $100 from the previous month. As compared with the same period of the previous year, it represented a huge increase of about 80%. Informed sources say that there is an expectation of higher prices
in the days ahead because of the lingering speculation on possible
reduction in anchovy catch quota in northern
season from climate effects related to El Nino. Rumors are common that the opening of the next season might be delayed, also creating a setting for higher prices. Information has it that, in the worst case, the quota could be reduced to two million tons, compared to the initially forecast volume of three million tons --a level equivalent to that in the preceding year. According to a Japanese trading source, 'the prices will most probably stay at high levels even if the quota is kept unchanged from the previous year.' 'The bulk of fish meal has already been contracted, and there is anticipation of higher prices in the days ahead. It is very unlikely that ample supply of fish meal will flow into the international market for some time to come,' he said. The same source observed that the leadership in the market has completely shifted to sellers. 'There seems to be an agreement among producers in
opening of the fishing season is delayed, shipments would be postponed to June or later. In that case, a critical situation can be anticipated from the perspective of inventory management. Meanwhile, landings of Chilean horse mackerel for fish meal intended for eel farming have been stagnant, and a substantial amount is being delivered for use as food material. Against this background, the
prices of horse mackerel fish meal are shooting up to around $2,200 per
ton were at ordinary year's level of around 4%, staying lower than last year. The prices as of late in January stayed firm at $975 per ton
the order of $1,000. Trading sources speculate that “the market will most likely continue to be in an adjustment phase until around April,
with prices being maintained at a firm tone.”
|