135 hectares of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) farm in El Oro Province, Ecuador, which produces 753.15 tonnes of shrimp annually

AGRIMINGOLD S.A. Makes History as Ecuador's First Shrimp Farm to Join ASC Improver Programme

ECUADOR
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The pioneering move signals a significant stride towards greater environmental sustainability and social responsibility within Ecuador's vital shrimp farming sector, aiming for eventual ASC certification.

EL ORO PROVINCE – AGRIMINGOLD S.A., a prominent shrimp farm located in Ecuador's El Oro Province, has become the first facility in the country to participate in an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) under the rigorous Improver Programme by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). This significant step covers 135 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp), with an annual production of 753.15 tonnes.

Photo: Marea Rosa

The ASC Improver Programme is specifically designed to support farms that are not yet ready or eligible for full ASC certification but have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing their environmental and social farming practices. Through an AIP, these producers work systematically towards meeting the ASC's stringent standards.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

"We are proud to welcome AGRIMINGOLD S.A., and its brand MAREAROSA, as the first Latin American producer to join the Improver Programme by ASC," stated Patricia Bianchi, AIP and Governance Manager at ASC. "Their commitment to positive change and enhancing environmental and social practices reflects the proactive spirit we aim to foster through this initiative. We look forward to supporting AGRIMINGOLD S.A./MAREAROSA on their journey towards greater sustainability, social responsibility and, eventually, ASC certification."

Annabell Palacios, CEO of AGRIMINGOLD S.A., echoed this sentiment, highlighting the milestone's importance. "Our participation in the AIP represents a fundamental milestone in our firm purpose towards environmental sustainability and a solid social responsibility. We want to make a significant contribution to the protection of the environment and the wellbeing of the sector, especially vulnerable communities. We are excited to be a part of this initiative, and we are committed to working hard to achieve our goals."

Currently, the Improver Programme supports 17 active AIPs in the shrimp sector globally, with initiatives in Kenya, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Thailand, and now, significantly, Ecuador. The collective impact of these improvements in non-certified seafood farming contributes directly to ASC's broader goal of transforming seafood farming worldwide for a more sustainable future.

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