he Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) are joining forces to improve the aquaculture sector in Europe and ensure it is better recognised at a political level.
The two organisations will sign a Memorandum of Understanding today (Wednesday 27 April) at 4pm at the ASC’s booth (Hall 4 4A401) at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona. They pledge to work together towards their shared vision of a responsible aquaculture sector providing the solution to growing food demand.
This collaboration comes at a time of growing recognition in Europe as elsewhere of the importance of sustainable food systems. These issues are being looked at by the EU, and both ASC and FEAP have built up valuable knowledge and experience over many years that can help with these developments. FEAP members will also benefit from greater access to ASC’s guidance on improving farm practices, which always bring economic as well as environmental benefits.
According to the EU, aquaculture employs around 70,000 people across the continent, most of which are small businesses or micro-enterprises in coastal and rural areas.