Mention “Belgian asparagus” and the eyes of many a gastronome light up. Since mid-April they have once again been able to enjoy white, or blanched, asparagus. The start of the field season was somewhat delayed this year by cold nights and low daytime temperatures in March. “We don’t grow under glass or plastic tunnels so the outside temperature determines when our production gets under way,” explains Carine Snijkers, who together with her husband, Leo Henckens, grows 3 ha of asparagus in Kinrooi, North Limburg.

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Exports of South African citrus are projected to total 89.6 million cartons, or 1.35 million tons, for the 2008 season, marginally down from the 90.9 million cartons, or 1.36 million tons, achieved in the 2007 season. According to an April 3 press release by the Citrus Growers Association of South Africa, at 2008 levels, South Africa is expected to retain its No. 2 ranking in world citrus exports.

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Small scale mushroom growers in Central Kenya have resorted to value addition to improve the marketability of their produce in a highly competitive market. Profits from sale of mushrooms has been low due to lack of significant market for the product. This has been attributed to continued perception that the product is for the rich. A kilogramme of mushrooms now costs between Sh300 to Sh600, a price that is considered to be beyond the reach of most Kenyans. “The potential market is high but the information is lacking,” said Mr Nguyo Gitonga, a mushroom farmer in Nyeri town.

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NAMIBIA – N$8 million to start a major aquaculture project at Leonardville village in the Omaheke Region has been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Dr Abraham Iyambo, Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister announced the funding during a fish consumption promotion and harvesting campaign at Okombepera last Saturday.

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SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Environmental Affairs and Tourism Department has stated that West Coast farmed seafood products were never at risk from possible poisoning.

In a state issue late last week, DEAT assured that all products coming from Aquaculture farms on the West Coast were never at risk from shellfish poisoning. However, the Department has advised care with wild shellfish. They not should be collected or eaten on a recreational basis on the West Coast until further notice, it states.

The reason that farmed seafood safety can be assured is because the Aquaculture industry is monitored separately through a Molluscan Shellfish Monitoring and Control Programme. As part of this programme regular tests are done, for instance for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning test are done every 48 hours. This programme is managed by the Department and is implemented at all Aquaculture farms, as it forms part of their permit conditions.