Published Sunday, 29 April, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
SMART STATE BARRA SET TO WOW USA: MICKEL
Cairns-born barramundi will be showcased at an official reception during the world’s biggest biotechnology convention in the USA next month.
Minister for State Development John Mickel today joined leading Brisbane chef Philip Johnson, of e’cco bistro, to taste test the Queensland signature dish which will be served to about 150 business and investment representatives at BIO2007 in Boston.
“This is an inspiring example of export know-how, Smart State aquaculture research and top-shelf Queensland cuisine,” Mr Mickel said.
“Not only is the barramundi industry worth about $20 million per annum to the Queensland economy, we continue to grow our international reputation as a producer of quality food and impressive technology.
“Combine that with Philip’s culinary genius and the results are typically Queensland and a great promotion of the Smart State.
“Research and biotechnology are not just the domain of the science laboratory, they are also improving the food we eat—from steak to seafood— and our way of life.”
About 250,000 barramundi fingerlings from hatcheries around Cairns are flown approximately eight times each year to just outside Boston USA where they are grown to plate-size in high-tech aquaculture facilities owned and operated by Australian listed company, Australis Aquaculture.
Australis’ Australian representative David O’Sullivan said some of the success of the US aquaculture operation is due to the pioneering research into barramundi farming started 20 years ago by the Queensland Government.
“Queensland has always led the way in barramundi aquaculture research and live seafood transport technology,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
The research has been conducted through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
Mr Mickel said as well as showcasing the Smart State’s leadership in research and development, BIO2007 would give delegates a real taste of what Queensland has to offer potential investors and partners.
Creating the signature barramundi dish for this year’s State reception in Boston follows on from Philip Johnson’s mouth-watering offering at BIO2006 when he showed Chicago the best of Queensland beef.
Last year’s dish of soy braised marbled beef highlighted how Smart State biotechnology innovation by Queensland company Genetic Solutions was improving the quality of beef from paddock to plate.
Genetic Solutions developed the world’s first DNA test to select highly marbled beef cattle breeds.
________________________________________
Media contact: Elouise Campion (07) 3224 6784 or 0409 588 302
Minister for State Development John Mickel today joined leading Brisbane chef Philip Johnson, of e’cco bistro, to taste test the Queensland signature dish which will be served to about 150 business and investment representatives at BIO2007 in Boston.
“This is an inspiring example of export know-how, Smart State aquaculture research and top-shelf Queensland cuisine,” Mr Mickel said.
“Not only is the barramundi industry worth about $20 million per annum to the Queensland economy, we continue to grow our international reputation as a producer of quality food and impressive technology.
“Combine that with Philip’s culinary genius and the results are typically Queensland and a great promotion of the Smart State.
“Research and biotechnology are not just the domain of the science laboratory, they are also improving the food we eat—from steak to seafood— and our way of life.”
About 250,000 barramundi fingerlings from hatcheries around Cairns are flown approximately eight times each year to just outside Boston USA where they are grown to plate-size in high-tech aquaculture facilities owned and operated by Australian listed company, Australis Aquaculture.
Australis’ Australian representative David O’Sullivan said some of the success of the US aquaculture operation is due to the pioneering research into barramundi farming started 20 years ago by the Queensland Government.
“Queensland has always led the way in barramundi aquaculture research and live seafood transport technology,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
The research has been conducted through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
Mr Mickel said as well as showcasing the Smart State’s leadership in research and development, BIO2007 would give delegates a real taste of what Queensland has to offer potential investors and partners.
Creating the signature barramundi dish for this year’s State reception in Boston follows on from Philip Johnson’s mouth-watering offering at BIO2006 when he showed Chicago the best of Queensland beef.
Last year’s dish of soy braised marbled beef highlighted how Smart State biotechnology innovation by Queensland company Genetic Solutions was improving the quality of beef from paddock to plate.
Genetic Solutions developed the world’s first DNA test to select highly marbled beef cattle breeds.
________________________________________
Media contact: Elouise Campion (07) 3224 6784 or 0409 588 302