MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine fishing industry questions inspection costs.

Efficiency, procedures, costs and shortcomings of Argentina's main sanitary inspection body, SENASA, National Sanitary and Agro-alimentary Service were the main topic of discussion between representatives from the different Argentine fisheries associations who this week met with Senasa's vice-president Horacio Casamiquela.

Fisheries representatives began by pointing out that Senasa applies virtually the same criteria for fishery products as to other sectors related to the food industry, particularly livestock and meat, in spite of the fact that fisheries exports usually represent more income for Argentina than overseas beef sales.

Senasa currently has a staff of 4,000, but only 75 are fully dedicated to jobs linked with fishery products inspections. Fisheries representatives would like to see an autonomous and exclusive organization for the sector with highly qualified personnel operating in the main port terminals, gaining in efficiency and helping to lower costs.

"Beef and other livestock produce are granted abundant funds and staff" which does not represent a true picture of the food industry in Argentina argue fisheries representatives. Besides a considerable portion of fees and control costs from Senasa's fisheries inspection and certification activities end up been used by the beef industry.

Another field of non satisfaction underlined by the fishing industry is that many times Senasa's staff doesn't have the proper equipment or tools to accomplish their tasks which obviously have a direct cost impact. In an effort to avoid this situation fisheries representatives suggested that private, provincial and/or municipal laboratories be allowed to undertake some of Senasa's tasks in certain regions or ports.

Mr. Casamiquela promised to look into the matter and proposals, but also cautioned that implementing structural reforms and procedures is not an overnight task and much depends on having the sufficient official funds to address the challenge. (FIS/MP).-