Pellegrini Calls for Support to Slovakia's Fish Farming Sector

Bohelov, 7 November (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini on Friday called for stronger support for Slovakia's fish farming sector, as relying on domestic production is better in terms of food security. He attended a ceremonial fish farm harvest at the Bohelov fish ponds in the district of Dunajska Streda (Trnava region), a symbolic event that marks the beginning of the pre-Christmas season. Pellegrini noted that, statistically, fish consumption per capita is "extremely low" in Slovakia, roughly one kilogram per person per year, and he encouraged people to eat more Slovak fish. He also praised the work of Slovak fish farmers, as they help to preserve traditions and contribute to the country's food self-sufficiency. "I'd like to draw attention to all those people working in our fish farming sector, because their work is very important – not only in terms of restocking with fish, but also in supplying high-quality freshwater fish to the domestic market," said Pellegrini. "It is important to promote fish farming in Slovakia as part of our food security strategy and to support our domestic producers as much as possible. We shouldn't buy fish from abroad when we don't even know where they come from, how old they are or what they were fed," stressed Pellegrini, adding that freshwater fish could be systematically included in school canteen menus so that the younger generation will become used to eating fish from Slovakia. jrg/df