A Murray cod fattening and citrus plantation in the Eastern Riverina is on the market

A small farm in NSW’s Eastern Riverina which combines Murray cod fattening and a citrus plantation is on the market tempting niche players to enter the sector.

A small farm in the Eastern Riverina region of NSW that combines Murray cod fattening and a citrus plantation is on the market, offering a rare entry into the booming aquaculture sector.

The 6.9ha property, 7km east of Griffith, is a dual-income operation in a well-known farming region and is expected to sell for in excess of $2.25m.

It has two ponds spanning 1.5ha which are capable of fattening 35,000 Murray cod concurrently, as the species rises in popularity, as well as a 4.75ha, 1300-tree Valencia Citrus plantation.

Murray cod is the largest freshwater fish in Australia, capable of reaching 100kg, and the land-based aquaculture model at 2621 Morley Rd, Yoogali, has one of the lowest environmental footprints in the industry.

CBRE’s James Auty, who is managing the expressions of interest campaign with Matt Childs, said demand for Murray cod was rising as awareness of the species grows around the world.

“Even a smaller-scale farm like this one is a rare avenue into a lucrative industry,” he said.

“Paired with the established Valencia Citrus orchard, it represents a turnkey, low-maintenance farming opportunity with dual incomes in an idyllic location just outside Griffith.”

The Murray Cod fattening and citrus farm near Griffith in NSW.

Producing an annual yield of about 174 tonnes, the citrus orchard was planted in 1993.

Both operations are underpinned by a reliable water supply that includes 2,000,000 litres of guaranteed supply and up to an additional 6,000,000 litres, pending availability.

The property includes a four-bedroom, brick family home was constructed in the 1990s.

While aquaculture has been a boom agribusiness sector, according to Rabobank research seafood demand is expected to weaken in the second half of 2022.

“With softening demand, price corrections, and persistently high production costs, salmon and shrimp farmer profits are likely to decline from recent highs,” the global agribusiness lender said.

“Recessionary dynamics have already started in both the EU and the US in the midst of their Covid recoveries. Food service demand for seafood will cool in both regions, which means another switch back to retail.”