The ASC Farm Standard holistically addresses the interconnectedness of fish, farm, people, and planet

The Future of Responsible Aquaculture Unveiled: Join ASC at Seafood Expo Global 2025

SPAIN
Friday, April 25, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Discover the groundbreaking ASC Farm Standard launching on May 7th in Barcelona, a unified framework poised to accelerate sustainability across the seafood supply chain.

The Standard is Evolving: Be Part of the ASC Farm Standard Launch at Seafood Expo Global 2025

A transformative shift in responsible seafood farming is on the horizon, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) will unveil this groundbreaking change to the global industry at Seafood Expo Global (SEG) 2025 in Barcelona.

Mark your calendars for May 7, 2025, as ASC introduces the ASC Farm Standard, a unified framework designed to accelerate positive change for Fish, Farm, People, and Planet. This launch signifies a monumental leap towards more sustainable seafood production worldwide.

ASC CEO, Chris Ninnes, invites industry professionals: “If you’re attending the expo, please join us to understand how this new standard will drive positive change across the entire seafood sector.”

He enthusiastically announced the participation of key supply chain leaders at the launch event: “I’m delighted to share that we will be joined on stage by Sophie Ryan, CEO of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI); Oliver Spring, Sustainability Manager at Nomad Foods Group; and David Parker, Head of Sustainability from Sainsbury’s. Together, we will offer a comprehensive supply chain perspective on the ASC Farm Standard and discuss how we can collectively accelerate progress towards a future of sustainable seafood globally.”

Chris Ninnes offers further insight into this landmark evolution for the aquaculture industry:

Why This Change is Essential:

As the recognized global leader in aquaculture certification, ASC is committed to setting the benchmark for responsible seafood production.

With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050 and wild-caught fisheries operating at their maximum capacity, the significance of seafood farming will only continue to grow. Consequently, addressing the environmental and social impacts of our industry is paramount.

The ASC Farm Certification Programme and its Standard – the result of extensive collaboration with the industry and years of rigorous consultation and scientific research – are meticulously designed to empower farms to operate more efficiently while upholding the highest levels of responsibility towards fish welfare, workers and communities, and the environment.

This evolution of the standard ensures that ASC-certified farms can more effectively meet evolving market demands, increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, and ambitious sustainability goals – all while maintaining the highest level of accountability. Furthermore, it embeds a strong commitment to data sharing and continuous improvement, providing various mechanisms and support systems to facilitate ongoing progress across the industry.

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This is more than a simple update to our program; it represents a bold and decisive step that is paving the way for meaningful and long-lasting change, accelerating our collective journey towards a truly sustainable seafood industry.

Key Changes to the ASC Farm Certification Programme:

The ASC Farm Certification Programme is undergoing a significant evolution, consolidating numerous species-specific standards into a single, comprehensive, and more efficient framework.

This unified approach is strategically designed to enhance efficiency, improve accessibility for a broader range of producers, facilitate wider industry adoption, and ensure greater overall accountability.

The ASC Farm Standard holistically addresses the interconnectedness of fish, farm, people, and planet through:

• A more holistic approach to fish welfare: Ensuring enhanced health and improved farming practices.
• A smarter and more adaptable certification system for farms: Aligning with the evolving demands of the market, consumers, and regulations.
• Strengthened requirements to protect workers and communities: Ensuring fair and ethical labor practices and community engagement.
• A science-based, impact-driven standard: Focused on conserving biodiversity and minimizing environmental impacts.

Benefits for the Entire Supply Chain:

Driven by increasing consumer demand for responsibly farmed seafood, the ASC Farm Standard offers a distinct competitive advantage for producers who prioritize sustainability. Whether you are a seafood supplier, retailer, or farmer, adopting the ASC Farm Standard will empower you to:

• Meet evolving market expectations more effectively.
• Gain enhanced credibility throughout the supply chain.
• Future-proof your operations against upcoming regulatory changes.

ASC’s Commitment to Supporting Farmers:

To ensure a smooth and effective transition for producers adopting the ASC Farm Standard, a comprehensive two-year transition period will commence in May 2025. This means that:

• Producers will have the option to adopt the new standard early, while existing ASC Species Standards will remain operational for those requiring additional time for the transition.
• ASC will provide comprehensive training programs, practical tools, and readily available resources to support a seamless transition process.
• ASC will recognize and celebrate early adopters for their leadership in sustainability, providing valuable opportunities to showcase their best practices to the wider industry.

Embrace this pivotal change and secure your place at the ASC Farm Standard launch event today!

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