V-Connect Asia is still available for viewing online until October 6th

Three days of non-stop content sharing, online talks and business meetings just concluded last week at the V-Connect Asia Edition event, held by VIV worldwide on the A.I. powered digital platform v-connect.net.

The positive feedbacks from all parties, namely exhibitors, visiting professionals, the partners, speakers and the sponsors, called for a further extension of the platform accessibility till October 6th. The extra days will allow existing and new registering attendees to review the recorded content sessions and continue the conversations with potential business partners even after the September 22-24 event dates.

This first edition of V-Connect Asia Edition registered over 4,000 high-quality participants, out of which 565 exhibiting profiles represented 240 suppliers, while 3,600+ visiting profiles were a combination of Asian buyers, international feed to food leaders, speakers, associations and the press. The industry joined to meet the selected exhibitors and to attend the 22 sessions held by 67 expert speakers from associations, trade institutions and global suppliers.

Hundreds of meetings were scheduled via the intelligent match-making system provided to all attendees of the V-Connect Asia Edition event. During the three days on September 22-24, a total of 1,324 meetings were requested on the platform among the industry members. And the networking is not over yet. The Exhibitor & Visitor lists are still open for interactions on the v-connect.net login area, accessible upon free registration, with the ongoing messaging function giving all users further possibility to talk and connect with interesting profiles.

3,355 logins over three days was the outstanding result achieved on the platform due to conference and seminar attendees who took advantage of a great series of learning sessions nicely presented by the VIV worldwide professional conference organiser (PCO) at VNU Asia Pacific in cooperation with partners from the five continents: Asia, Europe, America, Oceania and also Africa.

To see more about the event visit the link, HERE.

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Registration for the new European Union – Young Algaeneers Innovation Award is now open

The European Union – Young Algaeneers Innovation Award is open to young people from companies, research institutes and other organisations involved in the Algae Biomass sector in Europe (EU and EEA countries). The deadline for submitting an application for the Innovation Award Is November 8th 2021.

This coming edition of AlgaEurope 2021 will be held over four days, from the 7th to 10th of December, and online only. The winners of this Innovation Award will be announced during the European Union – Young Algaeneers Innovation Awards ceremony on the last day of the conference (day four).

The EABA already introduced the Young Algaeneers Corner during last year's edition. The objective of the Young Algaeneers Corner is to stimulate young professionals working in the algae sector in order to share their knowledge, innovative new ideas and above all connect with each other enabling the young algae community to develop the sector further and create synergies in the field of research and development.

The European Commission has suggested a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU for the industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts. A sustainable blue economy is essential in order to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and ensure a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic.

Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy requires investing in innovative technologies. Whether this is in wave or tidal energy, algae production, development of innovative fishing gear or restoration of marine ecosystems, the objective is to create new green jobs and businesses in the blue economy.

By funding the Young Algaeneers Innovation Award the European Commission shows its commitment to transitioning to a sustainable blue economy, offering entrepreneurs and academia the possibility to contribute to this transformation by highlighting their innovative services and products, which could make a positive impact to our blue economy.

For years AlgaEurope has been one of the most comprehensive global conferences about science, technology, and business in the Algae Biomass sector. One of the key successes is due to the close cooperation between European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) and DLG Benelux.

The organisers of AlgaEurope would like to invite all young algaeneer professionals to submit their innovations that will contribute to the further development of a sustainable future of the algae industry.

To register for the event click the link, HERE.
For more information about the event visit the AlgaEurope website, HERE.

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Madeira Island welcomes travellers to the annual conference of the European Aquaculture Society

The Annual Conference of the European Aquaculture Society (EAS) 2021 is taking place in Madeira, from October 4th to 7th. The application to host this event brought together an extensive platform of investigation centres, universities, and Portuguese companies. The EAS conference is the largest scientific and technical event that occurs in Europe, and normally brings together 1400 to 1600 delegates. The conference program includes plenary and technical sessions, as well as oral presentations and scientific posters, international equipment and service trade exposition, industry forums, sessions, and seminars for students.

Image credit: Madeira Promotion Bureau

The event will have a big disclosure on media all around Europe, highlighting Madeira, a destination that has long enjoyed an excellent relationship with The European Market and one of the destinations added to intentional Green Lists. This decision has been mutually beneficial to both Europe's and Madeiran travel industry. The Madeira Promotion Bureau is honoured to support The EAS 2021.

The Covid-19 situation in Madeira and its sister island Porto Santo is under excellent control. In the past month there has been a decrease in active cases with a reduced number of active cases, which remains one of the lowest rates in Europe. Furthermore, almost 80 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

With direct flights from all around Europe, Madeira is served by a number of airlines. There are numerous policies in place to make travel as straight forward for visitors as possible, whilst focusing on the safety for all, this subtropical and lush Atlantic Island with some of Europe's most beautiful scenery and year-round warmth, is bound to be a top destination for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Covid-19 Protocols
Madeira is welcoming tourists that are vaccinated (with EMA approved brands) and recovered from Covid-19 (with proof up to 180 days of validity) who want to enjoy the region, with testing for these cohorts no longer required.

The green corridor already existed at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a negative PCR test done within 72 hours. Alternatively, non-vaccinated visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival. One free PCR test per visitor is offered, to be taken on arrival or departure, with results in six to 12 hours. There are also discounts on offer for any further tests required, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18 available in pharmacies throughout the island. Antigen testing is required for all participants before they can register for the event, and this is being provided free of charge at the entrance to AE2021.

Curfew hours in Madeira have now been reduced and are from 2am until 5am. Restaurants can be open for dinner until midnight.

Madeira has worked closely with SGS, the world's leading certification company to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19. The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector.

For more information about Madeira visit the website, HERE.

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MDM Inc. and Trome join together in exclusive distribution relationship

MDM Inc. and Trome BV announce an exclusive distribution relationship to promote MDM's Sequence®, Advance ®, Genesys® and C-Shell® pumps in European aquaculture, residential aquatics and industrial markets. MDM, US-based manufacturer of non-metallic pumps and Trome, a Belgian manufacturer of drum filters, have been collaborating for 18 months to assemble pump and motor units in Europe. This capability will enhance price competitiveness, as MDM pumps offer lowest total cost of ownership.

'As both organisations have a strong background in aquaculture, we are convinced that our combined experiences will make for impactful results in Europe, as  we have today  in the US,'  says MDM  Inc.  Vice-President Ben Ashe.

MDM pumps offer resistance to corrosion (seawater and industrial solutions), simplicity of design, very high energy efficiency, low maintenance and long service life, achieving low total cost of ownership and low life cycle cost: the most important characteristics of all pump families. 'It's a match made in heaven,' according to Wouter Meeus, Lead Aquaculture of Trome, 'as many of these characteristics correspond with those of our drum filters. Our philosophies line up very well.'

Ranging from a few  to over 500  cbm  per hour, the MDM  Inc.  pumps are of interest for many different applications like small research facilities, commercial grow out farms and  all in between. In addition to the aquaculture sector, Trome  will actively prospect in industries  where corrosive fluid handling is applied and the residential segment (pools, boutique aquaculture, irrigation,…). 

With the agreement in effect, the MDM - Trome collaboration will become visible by combined presence at trade shows and in advertising. Soon, new tools and products will be launched as well. 'MDM strives to deliver value in product performance and innovative design, to maintain market leadership. New higher performance Colossus® impeller technology is close to introduction, with DC motor and IoT controls,' says Mr Ashe.

For more information about MDM Inc. visit their website, HERE.
To learn more about Trome visit their website, HERE.

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The Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council convene to dive into shaping a sustainable aquaculture industry

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announces the convening of the Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council with fresh multi-stakeholder representation from 11 academia, civil society, industry, public sector, and sustainability certification organisations around the world, thereby reaffirming the U.S. Soy farmers and industry's commitment to shaping a growing and sustainable aquaculture industry.

Image credit: Artur Rydzewski on Flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

A rising global population, increasing urbanisation, and consumer consciousness about health and the climate, is driving global demand for sustainable protein, putting aquaculture and soybeans at the centre of the opportunity to have a significant positive impact.

Approximately 3.3 billion people rely on seafood for almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of protein making it the world's largest traded food commodity. The amount of seafood produced by aquaculture now exceeds wild catch. Total fish production is expected to expand from 179 million tonnes in 2018 to 204 million tonnes in 2030 (Source: FAO). Aquaculture consumption increased 122 percent from 1990 to 2018, and production is projected to reach 109 million tons in 2030 (Source: FAO).

The 11-member USSEC Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council includes Allen Davis, Auburn University; Antonio Garza, World Aquaculture Society; Erik Olav Gracey, BioMar; Dr. Xue Min, China Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Steve Hart, Global Seafood Alliance; Sebastian Belle, Maine Aquaculture Association; Jose Antonio Camposano, National Chamber of Aquaculture, Ecuador; Neil Sims, Ocean Era; Glenn Kleppe, Regal Springs; Ken Overturf, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Tom Domino, Wakefern Food Corp.

'Aquaculture  has immense potential  to  help meet the world's nutrition and food security needs  as an affordable  and sustainable  source of protein. The USSEC Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council is a testament to the commitment of U.S. Soy farmers and industry, as well as of visionary leaders across the value chain from aquaculture feed, research, and sustainability certification - to shape a growing and sustainable aquaculture ecosystem,' says Courtney Knupp, USSEC director - Aquaculture and Animal Nutrition Meal.

'The past year has created many challenges for the seafood industry, as well as new opportunities for innovation and partnerships to advance sustainability. The combined knowledge, expertise and understanding of global market trends, best practices, economics of production, industry opportunities and challenges represented on USSEC's Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council can help build and support the sustainable long-term growth of global aquaculture,' says Steven Hart, vice president of Market Development (Asia, Oceania, EU, UK) for the Global Seafood Alliance – an international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture and the leading standards-setting organisation for aquaculture seafood.

Soy protein is an excellent source of protein for the aquaculture and aquafeed industry worldwide. It is an important protein source in the aquaculture diet due to its high protein content, balanced amino acid profile, and high level of digestibility for most cultured fish and shrimp species. As such, it can replace high-cost animal proteins and yields optimal fish growth. A large majority of aquaculture diets now contain 25-30 percent soy as a key part of the formulation, and there are a variety of applications in which soy products can be used in aquaculture diets, including, soybean meal, soybean oil, soy protein concentrate, full fat soybean meal, fermented soy, soy lecithin, soy hulls and soy isolates, among others.

Antonio Garza, President, World Aquaculture Society adds, 'We need to take a systemic approach for aquaculture that advances sustainable growth across the entire value chain, from farmers to feed companies to seafood companies to consumers. The World Aquaculture Society looks forward to engaging with diverse global stakeholders on USSEC's Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council to share a profitable and sustainable aquaculture industry.'

USSEC, in collaboration with the soy checkoff, is committed to continued investment in research on fish nutrition, the development of aquaculture technologies, and providing technical expertise and partnerships. USSEC continues to work collaboratively with producers, feed manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and other ancillary industry sectors to address all aspects of the production cycle for aquaculture.

The USSEC Global Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council will meet at least twice a year, with the first meeting scheduled for September 2021 virtually.

For more information about the U.S. Soybean Export Council visit their website, HERE. 

The Aquaculturists

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World aquaculture 2020 announces name change and date postponement

World Aquaculture 2020 has announced that it has changed its name to World Aquaculture Singapore 2022 and is now scheduled for next year, November 29 – December 2, 2022, at the same venue, Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Following a continuous decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases in Singapore with about 82 percent of the Singapore population having received two doses of Covid-19, the full regimen, and 84 percent having received at least one dose as monitored by the Ministry of Health Singapore (summary of local situation as of September 15th, 2021), the Singapore Government has announced plans to allow some easing of Safe Management Measures (SMM) and over 80 Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) pilot events have been successfully implemented in Singapore. With these new measures taken in Singapore, they are confident that Singapore will remain as the country that will host the World Aquaculture Conference and Exhibition in 2022.

Although there have been improvements in Singapore and around the world regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, there are still many uncertainties about its future. New waves of infection, low vaccination rates in some parts of the world, including Asian Pacific region, are some of the concerns. At this time, the current safe management measures (SMM) for MICE event pilots in Singapore are still quite stringent and not conducive to the meeting format that the organisers have in mind. Furthermore, it is not yet certain that international travels will be possible, which is essential to the success of the event.

As the organisers value the health and safety of their staff, exhibitors, and attendees, in view of these restrictions and hoping that international travels will be unrestricted, it has been decided that World aquaculture 2020 should be rescheduled to take placed in Singapore from November 29 to December 2, 2022, and will be now named World Aquaculture Singapore 2022.

As the leading international business platform, World Aquaculture Singapore 2022, the meeting point for the aquaculture industry, it is imperative for the safety of exhibitors, visitors, and business partners to comply with the vaccination regimen and test strategies that have and will be implemented around the world to attend WA Singapore 2022.

Please check the website for the latest on dates, deadlines, exhibition, and information on World Aquaculture Singapore 2022. For all attendees and exhibitors who have registered, please be assured that your registration submission is still valid, and if your abstract submission has already been accepted there is no need to re-submit. Meanwhile, the abstract deadline has been moved to September 1, 2022, and the new early registration dates will be updated. WA Singapore has also kept your booths blocked for this event. Soon the organisers will contact all existing exhibitors to ask for their confirmation as booth sales continues.

For more information visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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The Feed Innovation Awards 2022 move to Europe

The Feed Innovation Awards for 2021 have been postponed yet again and will now take place in mid-2022 in Europe and be referred to as the 2022 Awards.

The Awards were due to have taken place during Victam Asia 2021 and then on its rescheduled date of January 12-14, 2022 both in Bangkok, Thailand. However, the shows deferred date cancellation now means the Victam Asia will not be held in 2022 and the Awards have been moved to Victam Europe which will be held in Utrecht, The Netherland from Tuesday May 31-Thursday June 2, 2022.

The Awards host a respective half-day conference and seminar, which will be included in the Victam event programme being planned for Europe and take place on Tuesday May 31, 2022. The conference/seminar will be held on the second floor at the Jaarbeurs Exhibition Halls, Utrecht, The Netherlands on the first day of the show.

All Feed Innovations Award recipients will be published in an edition of Milling and Grain magazine leading up to the event, followed by a review of the event and an announcement of the winners in a subsequent edition. These issues will not only reach Milling and Grain print readers but will be promoted widely through the magazine's social media and through the magazine's individual language apps to ensure maximum awareness of the Award winners within throughout the milling industry globally.

For further information and details on how to apply please contact Ms Tuti Tan on +44 1242 267700 or email: tutit@perendale.co.uk

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Grobest announces appointment of Hua Du as new CEO

Grobest, one of Asia's leading aquaculture feed groups, has announced details of a transition in its senior management team. Following a decision by current CEO Mr Samson Li to step back from his role, the board is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Hua Du as Grobest's new CEO, with a mandate to further accelerate the group's growth and expansion. The board is also pleased to announce that Mr Li has agreed to remain with the group as a senior advisor.

Hua Du
Image credit: Grobest

Mr Du joins Grobest after 11 years of service at Solvay, a leading global chemicals and materials company, where he held the position of President of Global Business Units, and Member of Executive Committee, leading several global business units with revenues of EUR 5 Billion, more than 10,000 employees, and technologies covering a wide range of end markets. Prior to Solvay, he worked at Rohm and Haas Company for 13 years, driving growth in Asia for its Electronic Materials group.

Mr Ko Chi-Kang, Chairman of Grobest, says, 'We sincerely thank Samson for his service and look forward to working with him in his new capacity as a senior advisor. He has guided the company through the pandemic and has overseen a period of transformation that has enabled Grobest to operate at the highest global standards. Equally, I am delighted to welcome Hua Du as our new CEO. He joins Grobest at an exciting time in our journey and we look forward to growing further with his leadership and drive in the years ahead.'

Mr Ola Nordquist, Vice-Chairman of Grobest and Head of the Nordics at the global private equity firm Permira, says, 'We look forward to our continued relationship with Samson as a senior advisor and are delighted that Hua has joined Grobest as its new CEO. With his extensive Asia and global leadership experience, and his strong focus on people, customers, and technology, we are confident Hua has the right mix of capabilities to lead Grobest into its successful future. We have ambitious plans and are well-positioned for our next phase of growth, cementing and building on our leadership position in advanced functional performance feed for the aquaculture industry.' Funds advised by Permira acquired a 50 percent stake in Grobest in 2018.

In recent years Grobest has implemented several important changes in the way it manages and operates its business. It has evolved from a successful, ambitious family run business with a long history of innovation, into an Asia market-leading company and one of the world's top aquaculture feed groups.

Mr Hua Du, incoming CEO of Grobest, says, 'Grobest has set the standard in aquaculture in Asia and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help drive the company into its next phase of growth. Samson has successfully steered the company through a period of significant change and I now look forward to working with the entire team to deliver on exciting growth and development ambitions.'

Mr Samson Li, senior advisor at Grobest, adds, 'My past three years as CEO have been immensely fulfilling. We have helped Grobest transition to become a true regional champion. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff and I wish them all the best for an exciting and prosperous future under the leadership of my successor Hua Du, as I transition to my new senior advisor role.'

Founded in 1974 Grobest has a proud history, serving farmers and the aquaculture community across the Asia region. With a mission 'to feed the world by improving the health and growth of aquatic species through advanced nutrition,' Grobest today operates in eight markets across Asia, with 17 feed and pre-mix factories and more than 3,500 employees across the group. In addition to this broad presence across Asia, the world's largest aquaculture market, Grobest is also a pioneer and technological leader in an array of innovative and differentiated functional feed products.

The company also provides a full range of services and technical assistance to farmers throughout Asia, including pond maintenance, water treatment, and soil and disease testing.

For more information about Grobest visit their website, HERE.

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Researchers have identified a disease resistant gene in salmon

A gene with a major role in resistance to a virus that can cause high mortality levels in farmed salmon and trout has been identified by a team of scientists.

Their discovery, made using a combination of genomics and gene editing technologies, provides insight into why some salmon are resistant and others are susceptible to Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV). The findings could lead to more accurate selection of breeding fish, which would contribute to ongoing successful disease control, using a process known as marker-assisted selection, in salmon farming.

The study, one of the first to apply gene editing to disease resistance in farmed fish, highlights potential applications of the technology to improve resistance in other salmon strains or similar species such as rainbow trout.

Genome studies
Researchers used data and samples from a previous disease study of young salmon and applied whole genome sequencing to fine-map a DNA region that had previously been linked with resistance to IPNV. Their search to pinpoint genes within a major region previously identified as affecting disease resistance highlighted a gene known as Nedd8 Activating Enzyme E1 (Nae1).

Researchers then used gene-editing technology to remove the Nae1 gene from salmon cells and, in separate experiments, used chemical methods to prevent the Nae1 enzyme formed by the gene from functioning in salmon cells.

In both cases, limiting the function of Nae1 in cells that were exposed to the virus led to a significant drop in replication of the virus in those cells. The Nae1 gene is known to be involved in a biological process linked to the replication of viruses in other species, including in humans, suggesting that similar biological pathways may be behind IPNV infection in salmon. The team will now focus on assessing the impact of Nae1 on disease resistance in young salmonid fish exposed to the virus.

The study was carried out by the Roslin Institute and Hendrix Genetics, together with the University of Stirling, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Uppsala University.

The paper was published in the journal Genomics, and supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, and by Hendrix Genetics. The gene editing research formed part of the consortium project AquaLeap.

'The control of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus using marker-assisted selection in salmon breeding has led to a marked reduction in outbreaks, saving millions of salmon per annum. The discovery of a gene underlying this effect may facilitate more accurate selection, and also open the door to possible future avenues of disease control in strains or species where the marker-assisted selection is not possible,' says Professor Ross Houston, Personal Chair of Aquaculture Genetics at the Roslin Institute.

'With genetics we are able to support the global food challenge. Genetic technologies like gene editing and marker-assisted selection offer ways to innovate or accelerate sustainable solutions. Diseases are still one of the major challenges for any protein value chain. This unique finding brings us a step closer to addressing this challenge and helps us to set new standards for sustainable animal breeding,' adds Johan van Arendonk, Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Hendrix Genetics.

For more information visit the Roslin Institute page, HERE.

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BioMar Ecuador to release four new lines for extruded feed

BioMar Group has announced an ambitious plan for an expansion of the capacity for extruded feed in Ecuador. The two-phased installation will bring a total of four new lines with a combined capacity of 200,000 tons at BioMar's facilities in Guayaquil.

Image credit: BioMar

BioMar announces a comprehensive investment plan for the business unit in Ecuador, to further support an amplified product portfolio for high performing shrimp feed in Ecuador and follow up on strong sales figures.

The investment includes new land, a transformation of the current factory layout, upgrade of existing pelletizing equipment, and four new lines for extruded feed. The investments are part of preparation for introduction of new advanced shrimp feed concepts, which are planned for launch in the market from 2022.

'We are planning for a new range of high performing products as well as new functional feeds targeting the unique farming practice and environmental parameters encountered in Ecuador. Furthermore, we see larger farmers in the market being ready to start up the process of co-designing tailored product ranges towards the markets in US and Europe focusing on both feed composition and environmental footprint, farming practice and quality of the resulting shrimp, enabling a targeted positioning of the shrimp towards retailers and end- consumers. This requires both more capacity but also more flexibility in our production set-up', explains Henrik Aarestrup, VP LATAM, Shrimp & Hatchery in BioMar Group.

'We have in other species for many years been designing products with specific nutritional and sustainability profiles together with farmers, retailers, and suppliers. We recently started the same type of collaboration in the shrimp sector in Ecuador, and we have a range of tools enabling us to document our impact on the planet at the same time as we optimise farming results, 'continues Mr Aarestrup.

The Ecuadorian shrimp export has undergone a transformation and diversification during the pandemic.

'We believe the Ecuadorian shrimp sector is increasingly well positioned to continue to grow in the years to come focusing on value added products for consumers and sustainability. We are sure that a combination of extruded and pelletized feed solutions combined with increased flexibility on feed ingredients will offer the right opportunities for optimal feeding practises within different farming environments in Ecuador', concludes Mr Aarestrup.

The investments will take place in two phases with the first two lines ready for launch in 2022.

For more information about BioMar visit their website, HERE.

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The Seagriculture 2021 online event was a success!

Last week on 15 and 16 September, the tenth edition of Seagriculture successfully concluded its online premiere. Over 25 expert speakers from 11 countries contributed to the success of the event that attracted 180 attendees thus marking a record in the 10-year history of the Seagriculture event.
 

This year, the new Seagriculture innovation award scheme funded by the European Union was launched, culminating in a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze winner. The gold award went to Green Technology Research Institute, CPC Corporation located in Taiwan, the silver award to The Blue Future from Spain, and a bronze award to Rhodomaxx SDN BHD from Malaysia.

'The high attendance this year and our new record clearly shows that the seaweed community is growing and that seaweed professionals are committed to Seagriculture as a preferred platform to share knowledge and connect with other professionals in the industry. Moreover attendees from 27 countries connected from nearly all time zones and seas. This shows that there is a thirst for seaweed knowledge and a passion for this subject. The seaweed quiz introduced this year underscored the social and open ambience in our industry,' says Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director, DLG Benelux.

Two Seagriculture editions for 2022
The programme included specialist presentations on all topics within seaweed also including ecosystems, marketing, supply chain, sustainability and future developments. The organisers announced that Seagriculture in 2022 would consist of two editions, the Seagriculture EU to be held in Bremerhaven, Germany, June 29-30 2022, and the Seagriculture USA, September 7-8 in Portland Maine, a hotspot for seaweed farming in this region.

'The decision to introduce two annual editions of Seagriculture is driven by a need to better serve the growing seaweed community on both side of the pond,' adds Mr Jacobs.

Seagriculture innovation award funded by European Union
A program highlight, the innovation ceremony on September 16, was presided by Felix Leinemann, Head of Unit Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture and Maritime Spatial Planning, European Commission, DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, who announced the three winners, and underlined the importance of innovative technologies in the seaweed industry.

'Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy requires investing in innovative technologies. Whether this is in wave or tidal energy, algae production, development of innovative fishing gear or restoration of marine ecosystems, the objective is to create new green jobs and businesses in the blue economy,' says Mr Leinemann.

'By funding the Seagriculture Innovation Awards, the European Commission shows its commitment to transitioning to a sustainable blue economy and offers entrepreneurs and academia the possibility to contribute to this transformation by highlighting their innovative services and products which could make a positive impact to our blue economy,' he concludes.

USA night session with announcement
New this year was a USA night session at which Dana Eidsness, director of the MENADO at Maine International Trade Centre, announced the new edition of the event in the USA. This event will be sponsored by Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Maine Technology Institute (MTI), Maine International Trade Center (MITC) and Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO).

Next year's Seagriculture conference in Europe will be supported by Bremerhavener Gesellschaft für Investitionsförderung und Stadtentwicklung mbH.

The Seagriculture conference is organised by DLG Benelux, a subsidiary of DLG (German Agricultural Society) together with specialist partners.

More information on the 2022 editions of Seagriculture will be available soon HERE, and HERE.

Keep an eye out for a full Seagriculture event report in the October edition of International Aquafeed!

The Aquaculturists

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Aquaculture Without Frontiers UK CIO Projects in Nigeria - A report

We were finally elated to have commenced the AWF project in Nigeria earlier in this month.

Following our proposal and receipt of partial funding (USD 2,173.77 of USD 6,521.31 expected) on the 30th of August, 2021, I proceeded to commence the 3 proposed projects concurrently.

I had to change one of the proposed project extension officers (Peter Osaigbovo) to include David Irikefe, as the former was emigrating from Nigeria. Due to this change, I had to nominate another farm (Oslogan farms) in Ikorodu, Nigeria to replace Jokharehi farms in Benin, which was introduced in my earlier proposal. This change did not negatively impact our plans, execution or timelines in any way.

All 3 farms proposed have been stocked and provided with inputs required for the first month of production. Details are given below;

Farm One: Oslogan Trade Farms
Farm Owner: Osinuga Damilare Oluwaseun
PEO: David Irikefe
Address: OPU estate off balogun crescent, oke-agbo, gberigbe, ikorodu
Stocking Date: 8th Sept 2021 (1,100 @9.5g)

Progress Report
The farmer was provided with 1,100 pieces of fingerlings, with average weights of 9.5g, which were better than the proposed 5g average. Feeds for the first month of production (10 bags) have been provided for the farmer.

Expected test weighing and 1st grading exercise will be conducted around 8th – 10th October, 2021.

Total amount dedicated for operating expenses was NGN90,000, and is being disbursed to the farmer on a monthly basis (NGN22,500).

Farmer was provided with an Aller Aqua production record book, and a second copy was given to the PEO, to create a double-record entry process.

Farm Two: Eja Nla Farms
Farm Owner: Alabi Adedeji
PEO: Oyedare Olumide
Address: Ilora, Oyo
Stocking Date: 9th Sept 2021(1,167 @9g)

Progress Report
The farmer was provided with 1,167 pieces of fingerlings, with average weights of 9.0g, which were better than the proposed 5g average. Feeds for the first month of production (10 bags) have been provided for the farmer.

Expected test weighing and 1st grading exercise will be conducted around 9th – 10th October, 2021.

Total amount dedicated for operating expenses was NGN90,000, and is being disbursed to the farmer on a monthly basis (NGN22,500).

Farmer was provided with an Aller Aqua production record book, and a second copy was given to the PEO, to create a double-record entry process.

Farm Three: Teegold Farm
Farm Owner: Taiwo Lasisi
PEO: Aladesanmi Paul
Address: Ayobo, Ipaja
Stocking Date: 15th September, 2021

Progress Report
The farmer was provided with 1,100 pieces of fingerlings, with average weights of 9.0g, which were better than the proposed 5g average. Feeds for the first month of production (10 bags) have been provided for the farmer.

Expected test weighing and 1st grading exercise will be conducted around 15th – 17th October, 2021.

Total amount dedicated for operating expenses was NGN90,000, and is being disbursed to the farmer monthly (NGN22,500).

Farmer was provided with an Aller Aqua production record book, and a second copy was given to the PEO, to create a double-record entry process.

In comparison with the project timelines proposed, items 1-7, estimated for Week 1 – 4, have been executed without any major challenges.

All stakeholders have commenced well and are excitedly looking forward to the progress of the project.

We hope to keep the momentum for the coming weeks.

The Aquaculturists

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Sixth annual Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference to take place online in January 2022

Due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic, the management teams of VICTAM Corporation and VIV worldwide have decided to postpone VICTAM Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia in Bangkok to the third quarter of 2022. The current situation is still not as optimal as it was estimated. Above all, the health of exhibitors and visitors and the successful outcome of the event are most important to the organisers.

In light of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, which has forced the Royal Thai Government to implement new strict measures to control the spread of the pandemic, and the delays of the vaccination programs in several Asian countries, VICTAM and VIV do not see the opportunity to realise a large-scale event on the short term. Looking at the ongoing travel restrictions from and to Asia, the organisers also believe that it is not possible to guarantee the event quality that we know them for. The postponement to the third quarter of 2022 is in the interest of the whole industry.

Management team for the Aqua feed Conference decided to hold their 6th annual Aqua feed Extrusion conference virtually as with the last event on January 11-12 and not to postpone. They already have commitment from the major extruder companies (Andrtiz, Clextal, Extru- Tech, Wenger) as well as other equipment and ingredients suppliers to give talks at this conference, (Reynolds Engineering, Kemin and Texas A&M University). Very soon they will be adding more speakers in the program. If any equipment or ingredients company is interested to give talk at this conference, they can contact Dr. Mian N. Riaz, from Texas A&M University via his email (mnriaz@tamu.edu). The program will be finalised soon and will email to everyone.

The experience and feedback from the last two virtual live online conferences was excellent. Since several participants told us that they could have not travel because of several reasons but they were able to join us via zoom to listen about the latest technology. This year again they are planning for two days Virtual LIVE online conference via zoom.

For more information and opportunities for sponsoring this conference please contact Tuti Tan at tutit@perendale.co.uk.

The Aquaculturists

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Global Compact report demonstrates importance of sustainable seafood

Global Compacts Ocean Action Platform has identified 5 tipping points for ocean stewardship: sustainable seafood, decarbonizing shipping, harnessing ocean electricity, mapping the ocean, and ending waste entering the ocean. Today, Global Compact gathered private sector, academia, Governments and NGOS in an Ocean Stewardship Coalition to take stock on these tipping points.

For the seafood sector the tipping point is defined as fully traceable sustainable seafood.

'The key role of seafood is well recognised, and we are advancing in transparency and sustainable seafood production. What we need going forward is strong commitment from both companies and governments to reduce climate impacts and to facilitate for sustainable growth in seafood production,' says Wenche Grønbrekk, Head of Sustainable Development in Cermaq, who facilitated the workshop together with Robert Blasiak from Stockholm Resilience Centre.

Image credit: Cermaq

Global Compact is addressing this by developing a guide for seafood companies in setting science-based targets (SBTi). The launch of this guide is planned for January 2022.

'Cermaq has committed to reducing our GHG emission by 35% by 2030 with 2019 as base year. We also have growth ambitions, so the reduction target which is in absolute figures is even greater. Aquaculture is a part of the solution to producing more low carbon food and reach the Paris agreement,' continues Grønbrekk.

Cermaq invests much in working with international organisations as UN Global Compact and FAO, and in global partnerships as Global Salmon Initiative and SeaBOS to drive food transition in seafood to meet the SGDs and climate goals.

'As a leading company we have a responsibility to engage in the big picture, not only improving and developing our own company. We are strongly motivated by the changes we are a part of and the power of working together across sectors, geographies, and private/governmental/NGO/academia,' says Grønbrekk.

For more information on Cermaq, visit their website HERE.

 

The 35th edition of SPACE was a great success!

The 35th edition of SPACE, inaugurating its new format, was held from September 14th to 16th, in person, at the Parc-Expo in Rennes, and continued on September 17th in a digital version.

After two years without a physical edition due to the health crisis, this edition was a great success: 1,118 exhibitors, including 323 international exhibitors, welcomed 74,772 visitors, including 4,629 international ones. SPACE is pleased and proud to have given rise to these exchanges, which took place in a very positive atmosphere. All of the livestock farming family were finally able to see each other again at their show and there were many smiles.

This return of SPACE also symbolises the resumption of activity in the events sector, which has been severely impacted by the health crisis. SPACE 2021 was the first and only worldwide trade show this year for all animal sectors. It is a strong sign of encouragement for all event organisers who have to resume their activities in difficult conditions due, in particular, to difficulties in recruiting staff.

SPACE organisers commend the collective efforts of all the teams who overcame all the obstacles and who remained confident in organising this show. More than ever, SPACE has fulfilled its mission to farmers and exhibitors. Its fundamentals, which describe it as a professional, international and friendly trade show, have been confirmed or even strengthened this year. The multitude of exchanges, the modernity of the presentations and the booths and the many innovations presented illustrated the dynamism and the ability to adapt and listen that guide the development of our livestock farming sectors.

The visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Julien Denormandie, for the inauguration of SPACE, allowed professionals and sector managers to discuss the crucial issues that are relevant. These exchanges were like those that took place between exhibitors and visitors: high-quality, in-depth, and committed to the future of our agriculture in its diversity.

SPACE has been, once again, an exceptional platform for presenting innovations with 35 Innov'SPACE winners, including five special mentions. These products, services and equipment have illustrated how these companies are constantly looking for new solutions to offer working tools to farmers that improve their working conditions while ensuring animal welfare.

By placing the theme of Espace for the Future under the sign of welfare shared between farmers and their animals, this 35th edition has allowed professionals to express themselves on this subject, thus bringing more rationality to the discussions. Thanks to this space for demonstrations, testimonials and round tables by sector, the question of welfare has been at the heart of exchanges and discussions. This Espace for the Future, implemented with the expertise of the chambers of agriculture, has made it possible to highlight the constant and daily concern of farmers for the welfare of their animals. It also highlighted the need to always make it known, explain it and share it with citizens, while highlighting the economic aspect of these issues for farmers.

Despite the constraints linked to the health context, the difficulties of travelling and obtaining visas, international visitors were present at this 2021 edition. Several international delegations, in particular from several West African countries, made the trip. The Livestock Farming Ministers from Mali and Senegal, at the head of their delegations, were thus able to explain their needs in terms of training, equipment and genetics, to meet the food needs of their countries and to find suitable solutions for the work of their farmers. This participation, which was unexpected at the time of preparing the show a few months ago, is proof of the importance and role of SPACE as a facilitator of links, but also as a provider of solutions to answer fundamental questions concerning food sovereignty at local, regional, national and global level.

The animal presentations and competitions were very busy over these three days. The Normande breed and the Rouge des Prés had pride of place this year. The Genomic Elite sale, unique in the world, also enjoyed great success in an unprecedented format both in the SPACE ring and remotely, thanks to digital. These SPACE highlights illustrate the high level of technicality of our genetic know-how for farmers.

Throughout these three days, the friendliness of the exchanges and the happiness of being part of the large farming family have also shown that farmers and SPACE are kind-hearted. An unprecedented action symbolises it, since the proceeds of the milk collection day on Wednesday 15 will be donated to the Food Bank. This action was carried out thanks to the joint action of Solaal, Food Banks, and Agriculteurs ont du Cœur [Farmers have Hearts].

SPACE has been very happy to see everyone at the Parc-Expo in Rennes and will see everyone again in 2022, from September 13th to 15th, in person, and September 16th, digitally.

Between now and this new get-together, to extend discussions and keep in touch, find the content and relive the highlights of the show on uk.space.fr, on digital.space.fr and the mobile app: app.space.fr.

Also visit SPACE's 'Podcast Area' on the website and on the app. You will find all the show's live broadcasts on innovation, food sovereignty, generational renewal, etc. On SPACE's digital tools, you can also find some replays taken from the programme of the hundred or so conferences that took place during this 2021 edition.

For more information visit the SPACE website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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