RED Rooster appears to have backed down from its decision to import barramundi from South-East Asia, in an effort to appease angry Queensland fish farmers.

The fast food giant recently launched "wild barramundi" burgers, marketing it as "the most prized of all fish, sought after by the finest restaurants and the keenest fishermen".

Both the Queensland Seafood Industry Association and the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association accused Red Rooster – which prides itself on being an Australian icon – were appalled by the revelation, accusing the fast food business of snubbing local farmers in favour of an inferior product.

A Red Rooster spokeswoman yesterday defended the company’s decision to import barramundi from overseas, claiming local barra was more expensive, costing up to three times more than imports.

However, the spokeswoman said the QSIA had offered to help Red Rooster source competitively priced Australian barra.

"Red Rooster has listened to our customers and the local producers and we will introduce Australian farmed barramundi in the barramundi burger if we continue the offer after the promotional period," she said.

Fisheries Queensland managing director Jim Groves said the state’s barramundi had an international reputation as a premium product.

Daintree Saltwater Barramundi producer Mark Hober said farmers wanted an Australian company to support fellow Aussie producers.

"They want us to support and buy their food, but they don’t want to buy our products," Mr Hober said.

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