ASC’s Feed Standard tackles one of the biggest drivers of the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced, feed mills can apply for certification to ASC’s Feed Standard which covers legal, social, and environmental requirements for both the feed mill’s own operations and for the suppliers of ingredients used in their feed production. ASC-certified farms have until January 14th, 2025 (24 months) to switch to ASC-compliant feed to continue meeting the ASC Farm Standards.
ASC’s Feed Standard tackles one of the biggest drivers of the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture – the manufacturing of feed and its raw materials. More than 70 per cent of aquaculture production (excluding algae) is dependent on feed, and it drives major environmental and social impacts of aquaculture. By requiring responsible sourcing for all major feed ingredients, ASC aims to address issues in both the supply chain and at raw the material level. Requirements on reporting of performance will also improve assurances by creating unrivalled transparency throughout the entire aquafeed supply chain, as well as rewarding environmental sustainability and assisting future research into responsible feed.
Chris Ninnes, CEO ASC said sourcing aquaculture feed responsibly is necessary for feeding the world’s increasing population, whilst minimising impacts on land resources. In 2020, total seafood production reached 213 million tonnes and provided billions of people an important source of animal protein, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation SOFIA 2022 report.
