Industry experts at a recent panel organized by GlobalGAP discussed the evolving landscape of sustainability certifications, emphasizing the increasing importance of traceability. With expectations around sustainability certifications expanding over the last decade, certification schemes must adapt to meet these new demands.
FAO Deputy Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Audun Lem highlighted the need for a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and ethical dimensions. The FAO is actively developing guidance documents on sustainability issues for aquaculture and seafood industries, aiming to create standards that certification organizations can use as guideposts.
Teresa Fernandez, Sustainability Senior Manager at Hilton Foods, emphasized the importance of transparency in bridging the gap between industry practices and government legislation. As supply chains grapple with complex seafood sourcing challenges, transparency becomes crucial in addressing social, environmental, and animal welfare concerns.
Carlos Tavares Ferreira, Sustainability and Quality Director at Stolt Sea Farm, discussed the challenges of sourcing ingredients for aquaculture feed, particularly in reducing dependency on marine-based ingredients. As the industry seeks sustainable alternatives, innovation and collaboration are essential in overcoming these challenges.
The panel underscored the need for collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges in aquaculture, paving the way for a more responsible and transparent industry.
Source: Chris Chase (May 1, 2024). GlobalGAP: Traceability a key part of meeting the expanded scope of “sustainability”. Seafood Source. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/traceability-a-key-part-of-meeting-the-expanded-scope-of-sustainability
Picture: Photo by Chris Chase/SeafoodSource
