YABBY CODE OF PRACTICE

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE FARMING AND HANDLING OF YABBYS

Is now available

An easy to read Colour Manual and Practical 30min Video

From the

Yabby Producers Association (INC.)

To recieve your package please send a cheque for AUD$30.00

Payable to ACWA

Aquaculture Council of WA

PO Box 55, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016

Please include your Name & Return Address

Objectives of YABBY CODE OF PRACTICE

To improve the professionalism of the industry. This has been highlighted by price cutting, poor management and quality of product by growers

To improve the competitive edge on domestic and export markets. There is concern by a number of growers that other freshwater crayfish will be more than competitive and result in reduced market share.

To increase productivity through better feeding, water quality, management, handling, packaging etc.

Provide a training mechanism to the various operators (harvesters, depot managers), so that a minimum level of standards is maintained. There are a number of operators both inside and out of the processor networks which require direction and training.

Improve profitability through quality assurance (uniform grades, product handling). This will in turn benefit growers/processorswith a reduction in mortalities.

Increase the participation by growers as a result of the adoption of standardised practices( ie shortened learning curve).

Provide a mechanism of compliance to national and State certification programs (eg National Residue survey, Health certification, National Food Authority, Chemical Registration Authority). Broadly address use /non-use and avoidance of chemicals. Registration The Code will provide participants with a marketing edge.
Provide a non-legislative process by which industry can adopt occupational health and safety requirements of DOHSWA, where it is required.

Provide consumers with quality assurance(security in the knowledge that producers are complying to a code). This has particular reference to chemical and micro-organism contamination. It will impact on importing countries.

Bring together the various types of literature(such as the fax sheets etc).which can best advance the industry in a code format(standard).

Optimise the time and expertise of extension officers(everyone singing from the same hymn sheet).

AUDIT PROCESS

Auditing procedures to ensure adherence to the Code.

Develop and initiate a process for transferring ownership to the industry.

Develop a review process including the distribution of updated information.

CONSTRAINTS TO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

The following have been identified as constraints to development;

Downturn in supply resulting from an improvement in prices of other rural based commodities.

Farm dams in summer become statified, thereby reducing the productive areas of the dams.