RaboResearch: Good demand growth expected in all key aquculture markets

Good demand will support high seafood prices in the first half of 2022. Supply for salmon will be tight, but shrimp supply will increase in the next few months. High production costs due to freight, feed commodity, labour, and energy costs will be a key theme this year.

Strong demand driven by Covid recovery
For most seafood species, including salmon and shrimp, 2021 was a year of demand recovery. New growth in at-home seafood consumption was a major feature of demand recovery in 2021, and this is expected to lead a long-term increase in demand.

According to Rabobank's latest report on aquaculture, Omicron and possible new Covid strains are the key threats to recovering demand. A good demand environment for seafood is expected, if the economic recovery from Covid continues.

'The US and EU will continue to experience the strong demand growth seen in 2021, and China is showing signs of recovery in import demand. For China, this should mean a return to pre-pandemic import levels during 2022,' explains Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Specialist, Seafood at Rabobank.

Elevated costs to persist
Costs for all seafood reached new highs in 2021 as energy, feed commodity, labor, and freight costs increased sharply. And elevated input prices are expected to remain through at least the first half of 2022.

Regarding supply in 1H 2022, Mr Nikolik states, 'Salmon supply will be tight and even negative due to low production in Norway. Shrimp supply is expected to grow, supported by the good price and demand environment. And we expect normal fish meal production, with no El Niño.'

For more information about Rabobank visit the website, HERE.

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Alltech Company Profile

Alltech's mission is to improve the health and performance of people, animals and plants through nutrition and scientific innovation.

They pursue this mission guided by what is called the ACE principle, their promise that in doing business they have a positive impact on the animal, the consumer and the environment.

At Alltech, they help farmers feed the world, raise healthy plants and animals, and protect the environment through nutrition and scientific innovation.

For more information visit the Alltech marketplace listing on the International Aquafeed website, HERE.

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Manolin's new data integrations

Manolin announced their real-time data integrations with PatoGen, Cognite and Meox, adding to their list of current integrations which includes the companies AKVA group, BarentsWatch, ScaleAQ, and others. Manolin, a software company aiding fish health, provides a data management platform in order to ensure fish farmers have all the information and factors at their disposal to make decisions about fish health and welfare.

Manolin offers one dashboard for fish farmers which enables them to track test results, environmental factors, production outcomes, sensor data, and others. In doing so, Manolin creates a "unique fish health profile", it explained in a press release dated the 26th January, 2022, which provides key decision-making on farm performance, product and provider choices, and risk factors related to diseases, mortality, and so on.

"The ability to find lab results, environmental information, and farm data in one place has great potential to improve our production," Andreas Skagøy, the Fish Health Manager Måsøval Fiskeoppdrett explained. "With this, our team can optimise efficiency, more accurately assess risk, and improve our fish welfare. These open and connected data systems can allow more farmers—and the industry—to improve their strategies with better tools."

Image credit: Manolin

 

"Farmers today need to manage information from many different sources in order to make the best decisions. We're excited to be adding more integrations that will make data accessible throughout the organisation but also identify the risk factors contributing to each farmer's unique fish health profile. For example, which conditions are leading to more disease, mortality events, or ineffective lice treatments," John Costantino, the Co-Founder and CTO of Manolin, remarked.

Manolin have been utilising their platform to assist the aquaculture sector with becoming more sustainable, as companies look to ways to measure their sustainability and improve practices – and can do so by monitoring and tracking their changes over a period of time.

For more information on Manolin visit their website, HERE.

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Contestants competing in the F3 Challenge sell 3,000 MT of fish-free carnivore feed

Contestants competing in the F3 Challenge – Carnivore Edition have sold a combined total of over 3,000 metric tons of fish-free feed in the first sales period. The F3 Challenge contests are designed to spark innovation in the aquafeed industry to find viable, cost-competitive aquafeed ingredients and feeds free of fishmeal and fish oil. The goal is to eliminate the need for wild-caught fish and other marine animals in aquaculture feeds.

Image credit: Knut Petter Dimmen on Flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

The award is USD 100,000 in each of three categories, salmonid, shrimp and other carnivorous species. The F3 Challenge is a sales competition to award prize monies to the contestants that produce and sell the most 'fish-free feed' within their designated category. In this third on-going challenge, the first benchmark is to submit feed samples that are verified to be 'fish-free'. The second is to submit sales quantities.

Companies can form teams with other companies. The contestant teams Star Milling Co./The Scoular Company are leading in the salmonid category; Empagran/Veramaris are leading in the shrimp category; and Jiangsu Fuhai Biotech Co., Ltd is in the lead in the other carnivorous species category with its largemouth bass feed.

A combined total of 145 metric tons of F3 feed was sold by the three competitors in the salmonid category, 2,951 metric tons of F3 feed was sold by the three competitors in the shrimp category, and 7.72 metric tons was sold by the two competitors in the other carnivorous species category.

The six contestants competing toward the USD 300,00 in prizes submitted eight qualifying F3 feeds. Contestants began recording sales as of October 1, 2020 or after submitting their feed. The qualifying F3 feeds for all prize categories must not contain any ingredients consisting of or derived from marine animals, including but not limited to: fish, squid, shrimp, or krill.

'We are pleased to see commercial quantities of fish-free feeds being produced by major mills and used on large farms. I believe we are seeing the rising tide of novel ingredients coming online disrupting the industry as the decreasing costs of the novel ingredients are matching the increasing costs of fishmeal and fish oil,' said Kevin Fitzsimmons, F3 Challenge chair and professor at the University of Arizona. 'We are especially pleased that environmental groups who have criticised the use of forage fishes in aquaculture feeds have contributed to the solution by supporting this contest and other efforts to improve the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.'

The F3 – Future of Fish Feed goal is to assure greater global food security by reducing the aquaculture industry's reliance on fishmel and fish oil derived from small forage fish such as menhaden and sardines and to future-proof it against shocks to the supply chain.

All sales reported by companies remain unverified. F3 Challenge judges will verify F3 feed sales prior to announcing the winners per the contest rules. Sponsors of the F3 Challenge include the University of Arizona, The Campbell Foundation, Synbiobeta, The Nature Conservancy, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Anthropocene Institute, Dawson Family Fund, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Tides Foundation, Cuna Del Mar, the National Renderers Association and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

For more information visit the F3 Challenge website, HERE.

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Mini Discussion on the Development and Training of our Industry Professionals

Designed with livestock feed production, aquaculture and nutrition professionals in mind, a 'Mini Discussion on the Development and Training of our Industry Professionals' will take place on Wed, Feb 9, 2022 7:00 AM |  London/GMT 0:00. 

Please register at : https://bit.ly/3H7TNeT

Join the team from Progressus Agri-schools for this mini discussion on February 9, 2022. Don't miss your chance to win prizes !

Agenda

1. Is learning part of your daily routine?

2. Series of short conversations between topic experts :

3. Mr Lukas Manomaitis on the Importance of Learning and Development

4. Mr Philip Kemp on In-Pond Raceway System AgriSchool Short Course

5. Mr Joe Kearns on Aqua Feed Production Online Milling School

6. Dr Thomas Wilson on Aqua Nutrition AgriSchool Short Course

7. Mr Patrick White on Marine Fish offshore Pen Aquaculture AgriSchool

8. Mr Hsiang Pin Lan on Marine Fish offshore Pen Aquaculture AgriSchool

9. Mr Ryan Celis on Livestock Feed Production Online Milling School

10. Dr Wayne Johnson on Online Swine Training International School; Swine Diseases

11. Mr Tony Edwards on Online Swine Training International School ; Swine Nutrition

12. Questions and Answers

13. Lucky Draw!

To find out more information on this event or any of the other offerings from Progressus Agri-schools, click on this LINK.

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Soilless agriculture: The revolution grows 25 percent per year

Cultivations in a controlled environment are growing all over the world and finally they are spreading in Italy as well. The new edition of the annual global survey within the sector, the regulatory changes in Italy and the growing interest in venture capital also in Europe will be among the themes of the show NovelFarm, 25-26 May, Pordenone exhibition centre, Italy.

The data is not yet definitive but the estimation of the value of the agriculture in a controlled environment market (hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics) of the past year indicates that globally the turnover has exceeded four billion dollars only considering the equipment, the work and the consumables (seeds, fertilisers, substrates).

It is an average of 25 percent per year, very high for a hard sector where investments largely go into "physical" things. It seems the pandemic has not affected the growth or investors' confidence.

According to data from PitchBook, an innovation investment market analysis company, in 2020, during the pandemic, 1.86 billion dollars were invested in indoor farming. The trend accelerated in 2021: between August 2020-August 2021, investments totalled 2.71 billion. The second half of the past year did not stop the trend and in mid-December the news of the first European unicorn in the sector arrived: Infarm, based in Germany, reached the valuation of one billion on the basis of a "round D" loan of 200 million dollars.

Even on smaller dimensions, the enthusiasm of the market is consolidated. This is certified by the new edition of the world survey on indoor growers, edited by the consulting company Agritecture, which will be presented at the third edition of NovelFarm 2022, taking place at Pordenone exhibition centre May 25th to 26th, 2022.

An interesting piece of data: about half of the participants of the survey believe that if they were to start now after years of experience they would do things differently. A testimony both of the youth of the sector, currently ten years old, with a steep learning curve, and of the belief that the road is the right one.

And what about Italy? After years of experimentation, several vertical farms are now operational: Planet Farms, one of the mayor in Europe on the outskirts of Milano, the aeroponic systems of Agricooltur, Fattoria di Pol and FruitHydroSinni, the Milanese veterans of Agricola Moderna and the plant under construction in Capriolo, in the province of Brescia, by Zero from Pordenone, which uses an existing building. The entrepreneurial energies are now mobilising, even in the absence of a risk capital sector remotely comparable to the one existing in other countries. From a regulatory point of view, however, conflicting signals are arriving.

At the end of October, Lombardy recognised with a regional law voted unanimously the legally agricultural nature of vertical farms, even built in urban and peri-urban areas and in existing buildings. From the market rumours, it appears that other regions - headquarters of important districts of cultivation in a controlled environment even if traditional (like greenhouses) - are thinking about following the Lombard footsteps.

The regions are Campania (in the Sele area there are now about 3000 companies specialised in greenhouse cultivation, including hydroponic ones) Veneto and Marche. Let's see whether local legislation will follow a common scheme. At national level, instead, a draft of an interministerial decree was finalised at the end of October. It adopts a European directive that regulates a specific market sector regarding vertical farm, the one of IV range. According to the draft decree, shortly sent to Brussels for an expected approval, to make everyone agree, a division has been invented between IV range (ready-to-eat washed leafy vegetables), I range 'evolved' (vegetables ready to eat but to be washed) and vertical farming products (unwashed ready-to-eat vegetables). IV range products from vertical farming (even if it is not certain) should be differently labelled and placed in compartments clearly divided from the others showing explanatory panels for the public and cannot be enriched with other ingredients (therefore it will not be possible to use the lettuce from vertical farming to make mixed salads with corn, for example). This is a bit surreal and the explanation comes from the resistance to innovation within the food sector.

During NovelFarm opening session – taking place in Pordenone exhibition centre on May 2022 - representatives of manufacturers and users, as well as experts will discuss together about the status of regulations on culture in a controlled environment, facilitations and available financing (for example the Italian support decree of last May).

NovelFarm is one of the most important Italian events entirely dedicated to new cultivation techniques, soilless and vertical farming. Co-located with AquaFarm, the international conference and trade show on aquaculture and sustainable fishing industry. This year supported by AlgaeFarm, the event is dedicated to technologies and applications in algaeculture.

For more information vist the AquaFarm website, HERE.
Alternatively, visit the NovelFarm website, HERE. 
Or the AlgaeFarm website, HERE.

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Kent Nutrition Group awarded AFIA 2021 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year

The American Feed Industry Association, in partnership with Feedstuffs, named Kent Nutrition Group's (KNG) Mason, Mich., plant as its 2021 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year.

Gary Huddleston, AFIA's director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs, presented the facility's leadership with the award today during the AFIA's Feed Education Program, happening in Atlanta in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo.
 

Kent Nutrition Group's (KNG) Mason (Mich.) Plant wins AFIA's 2021 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year award. From left: Mike Gauss, president; Duke Tanguy, central region director of operations; and Jason Lents, senior director of operations.
Image credit: AFIA

'Kent Nutrition Group's Mason Plant prides itself not only on excellent customer service, but also in delivering 19,000 tons of high-quality feed for several livestock species throughout the Midwest,' Huddleston said. 'With low staff turnover and great teamwork, this facility has made improvements that have led to greater production efficiency and safety of its products.'

Kent Nutrition Group is a division of Kent Corporation, a family-owned, American company with a history of innovation in animal nutrition; food, beverage and personal care ingredients; agriculture; and pet care. Kent Nutrition Group manufactures high-quality nutrition products for everything from livestock to small animals.

As part of a recent initiative to improve production efficiency and ensure product safety, in 2018, the company upgraded its mixing system from the Aceco system, which had been in operation since 1989, to the new, extremely precise Repete Mixing System. This system has allowed the plant to streamline its mixing process and put in place safeguards to reduce opportunities for human error, such as proceeding with a manufacturing run if the sequencing and flushing procedures are not properly followed. Now, Kent Nutrition Group can stack runs seamlessly and has extensive lot tracking and traceability capabilities, allowing each ingredient to be traced back to the original supplier's lot code, a valuable tool in everyday operations.

'With less downtime between runs, our team gets more production out of our workday,' says Dave Earl, the Mason plant manager. 'We are able to produce our quality Kent products more effectively and efficiently, creating near perfect products every time, on time. Being named the AFIA 2021 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year award winner is a great honour and recognition of our team's efforts to continually improve.'

The AFIA has been recognising excellent feed manufacturing facilities through the Feed Facility of the Year program since 1985, with 2021 marking the first year that the association began issuing top industry awards to facilities in four categories: commercial dry, liquid feed, premix and ingredient, and integrator.

For more information visit the AFIA website, HERE.

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Alltech share their 2022 Agri-Food Outlook, revealing global feed production survey data and trends shaping the future

The 2022 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook was released today, highlighting global feed production survey data. The global Covid-19 pandemic has had major impacts on the agri-food sector, contributing to supply chain challenges and accelerating the adoption of new technology and environmental sustainability practices.

'The results within our 2022 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook reinforce our confidence and optimism about the future of the agri-food sector,' says Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. 'We see the resilience of the agri-food sector against the challenges of Covid-19, disease and supply chain disruption, and, even more importantly, there is evidence of growth, modernisation and the adoption of more sustainable practices occurring in parallel.'

The eleventh edition of Alltech's annual feed production survey includes data from more than 140 countries and more than 28,000 feed mills, and based on this data, it is estimated that international feed tonnage has increased by 2.3 percent, to 1.235 billion metric tons of feed produced in 2021. The top ten feed-producing countries over the past year were China (261.424 mmt), the U.S. (231.538 mmt), Brazil (80.094 mmt), India (44.059 mmt), Mexico (38.857 mmt), Spain (35.580 mmt), Russia (33.000 mmt), Turkey (25.300 mmt), Japan (24.797 mmt) and Germany (24.506 mmt). Altogether, these countries produced 65 percent of the world's feed production, and they can be viewed as indicators of the trends in agriculture. Additionally, when combined, the feed production of these countries increased by 4.4 percent, compared to the overall global growth of 2.3 percent.

Key observations from the survey:

• The country with the largest increase in feed production by tonnage was China by 8.9 percent to 261.424 mmt. A key trend resulting in this growth was the continuation of the consolidation and modernisation of the country's feed industry. Swine farms and feed production have moved from utilising food waste to contracting with professional feed mills. As a result, commercial feed tonnage increased, driven in particular by the growth and continued modernisation of the pig sector.
• Feed production met local expectations in about half of the surveyed countries while falling short of expectations in about 25 percent of countries due to continued restaurant closures, high raw material prices and/or African swine fever (ASF). The remaining 25 percent of countries exceeded expectations, mainly due to recovery from Covid-19 lockdowns, including increased exports to re-opening restaurants.
  1. Over the past year, there has been strong focus on the environment, as governments worldwide have made renewed commitments to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe and Asia, government policies have been the main drivers in most markets, whereas in the Americas, the main drivers have been consumers and private industry. In some markets, there's a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in other markets, the focus is more on the expected nitrogen regulations.

 
Notable species results:

• The poultry sector experienced a slight reduction in layer feed tonnage (down 1.4%), whereas broiler feed production increased (by 2.3%).
  1. The layer business has been facing challenges in many countries due to the high costs of raw materials, combined with flat/low retail prices for eggs. Animal welfare concerns are also a driver, as cage-free and free-range production are on the rise in many countries. In Europe, the most significant decreases occurred in Norway, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. Asia-Pacific also saw a decrease, while tonnage in Australia grew by four percent.
  2. Factors that have aided the broiler sector include an increased demand for easy-to-cook proteins as restaurants closed during the pandemic and an affordable protein option, as the prices of other meat proteins increased. China and India accounted for the most significant increases in Asia-Pacific. In Latin America, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay and Mexico contributed significantly to the region's five percent increase.
• Pig feed production increased significantly, by 6.6 percent, which was primarily boosted by Asia-Pacific's recovery from ASF. Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and China demonstrated just such a recovery from ASF, but Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam continued to feel the impact of the disease. In Europe, countries where ASF is not or is no longer a problem were still impacted by a pork surplus due to a reduced demand from China.
• Dairy feed tonnage increased slightly, by 1.9 percent. Asia-Pacific saw the biggest increase, which is mostly attributed to growth in India. As Covid-19 lockdowns eased around the world, the reopening of the hospitality industry and in-person classroom education helped boost milk consumption overall. In Australia and New Zealand, dairy feed tonnages were down 6.7 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.
• Beef feed production shrunk by 1.9 percent globally. The industry continues to be challenged by GHG regulations and perceptions of environmental and health impacts. European markets are especially focused on reducing GHG emissions in an effort to align with COP26, the EU Green Deal and the FEFAC Feed Sustainability Charter 2030. The U.S. experienced an increased steer and heifer harvest due to carryover from 2020, as well as a record demand for beef exports. Argentina saw a significant reduction due to reduced exports, and high inflation and the devaluation of the local currency are also affecting Argentinians' purchasing power, although export regulations are easing and could impact Argentina's outlook for 2022.
• The aquaculture industry continues to grow in many markets and increased by an impressive 3.7 percent. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are becoming more prevalent, and consumer demand for fish is on the rise. Markets with ASF challenges saw additional growth due to their reduced pork supply. India saw a significant increase in its aquaculture feed tonnage of nine percent; additionally, Indonesia accounted for 10 percent of Asia-Pacific's growth. In Latin America, Chile, Brazil, Honduras and Ecuador contributed to the regional growth of 5.6 percent.
• Pet feed production had the highest increase among the sectors, with an 8.2 percent rise in production. This significant increase is largely due to the rise in pet ownership amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While some regions remained flat, there were no reported decreases in any region around the world.

Notable regional results:

• North America saw steady growth of 1.9 percent over the last year, and the U.S. remained the second-largest feed-producing country globally, behind China.
• Latin America experienced moderate growth of 0.5 percent, and Brazil remained the leader in feed production for the region and ranked third overall globally.
• Europe saw a decrease of 1.2 percent in its feed production due to issues such as ASF and high raw material costs, combined with low end-product prices, declines in ruminant feed production and Covid-19-related government regulations.
• Asia-Pacific saw the largest regional growth of 5.7 percent and is home to several of the top 10 feed-producing countries, including China, India and Japan.
• Africa saw growth of 2.4 percent, despite challenges caused by high raw material prices, foot and mouth disease and geopolitical tensions that have impacted the exports of foods of animal origin and caused raw material shortages in some areas.

Alltech works together with feed mills and industry and government entities around the world to compile data and insights to provide an assessment of feed production each year. Compound feed production and prices were collected by Alltech's global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the last quarter of 2021. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an information resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2022 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit the website, HERE.

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EuroTier 2022 takes place this November, with a focus on animal welfare

"Transforming Animal Farming" - this is the guiding theme of EuroTier 2022, reflecting the changes currently embracing the livestock sector, The EuroTier trade fair will take place from November 15 to 18, 2022 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds and will be supported by an additional digital offering. 

The organiser DLG (German Agricultural Society) is placing the trade fair's technical program of the world's leading trade fair for animal farming and livestock management under the guiding theme of "Transforming Animal Farming". The focus is on animal welfare, animal health, sustainability, emissions, genetics, husbandry, feeding, digitalisation, management, processing and direct farm sales.

Transformation in the livestock sector
The national and international livestock sector is undergoing a transformation. A range of topics are shaping the current developments - animal welfare, sustainability, biodiversity, climate change and global food security as well as production efficiency and marketing strategies. These factors influence changes in production and value chains as well as societal and environmental demands on livestock farming.

"In this challenging environment, livestock farmers need new perspectives, strategic approaches and the right technologies more than ever, in order to be able to successfully address the changes in the industry. As the world's leading trade fair and leading professional platform, EuroTier plays a decisive role in offering the relevant innovations and solutions for farmers, farm managers and companies," explains Ines Rathke, EuroTier Project Manager, describing the central importance of EuroTier for international livestock farming.

Innovation platform of the global livestock sector
As an innovation platform for the global livestock sector, EuroTier offers a complete overview of innovations and established standards. The trade fair presents solutions for cattle, dairy, pig and poultry production. Additionally, the topics of sheep and goats, boarding horses, aquaculture, alternative proteins and direct farm sales round off the exhibition and trade program. The trade fair portfolio includes products and services for the entire value chain for the production of foodstuffs of animal origin. This includes the areas of genetics, feed, husbandry systems, climate and environmental technology, milking and cooling technology, manure removal, transport, operating resources, accessories, processing, marketing and services for agricultural production.

High-calibre international technical program
Under the guiding theme "Transforming Animal Farming", the DLG, together with national and international partners, will present a high-calibre technical program with a large number of events and conferences on the current focus topics of the animal husbandry sector. The cattle/dairy, pig, poultry and aquaculture spotlights will be dedicated to industry-specific topics such as animal welfare, animal health, sustainability, emissions, breeding, husbandry, feeding, digitalisation and management. The spotlight on direct farm sales will focus on the topics of processing and marketing. A new focus in the feeding section is the prospects for alternative protein sources.

New: Platform for startups
New at EuroTier 2022 is the dedicated start-up area "DLG-AgrifutureLab" for newly-founded innovative companies. This prime location within the trade fair allows both national and international company founders to launch their presence prominently, attracting plenty of footfall. The German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) supports the participation of German startups at the trade fair.

Additional digital offering
In addition to the trade fair appearance in Hanover, the world's leading trade fair for animal farming and livestock management offers exhibitors and visitors an additional digital service on the "DLG Connect" platform, an interactive online platform developed by DLG as part of its objective to further knowledge in the international agricultural sector. Already over 500 individual virtual events have been held at this platform including DLG's in-depth spotlights on emission control in livestock farming as well as virtual visits to pig and dairy farms.

Exhibitors can use this digital platform to deliver information about their products and innovations in order to optimise their preparations for the trade fair. The platform offers visitors the opportunity to network with exhibitors in the run-up to EuroTier thereby benefiting from the latest specialist information.

Optimal exhibition complement: EnergyDecentral
EnergyDecentral takes place in Hanover alongside EuroTier. The international trade fair has established itself as the leading platform for decentralised energy supply. Covering the entire value chain of sustainable energy production: Resources, energy production and smart energy, EnergyDecentral is thus an optimal extension of the specialist range of EuroTier.

Registration by 15 March 2022
Exhibitors who register by 15 March 2022 will receive more favourable conditions and have a better chance of securing their desired placement in the halls.

For more information about the event visit the website, HERE.

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Luxmeter celebrates 20 years with the launch of their new artificial light-system

Luxmeter launches a new artificial photoperiod light with unique worldwide features and unprecedented Chilean copper fabrication. The company is celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a leader in equipment and counselling in the aquaculture industry.

Two decades coincides with upgrades in their business structure with innovation as a main subject for the next few years. Luxmeter has made international alliances to create a revolutionary 1.000 Watts artificial photoperiod light, completely manufactured with Chilean copper and top LED technology by Nichia Corporation with eight plaques, that gives 35 percent more efficient brightness and 50 percent more lifespan, lowering the internal temperature of the LED performance.

'We want to provide the best technology of the world for our clients no matter the cost. Luxmeter is innovating constantly to offer the best energy systems using national copper in a unique plaque that improves the interchange of existing temperature, giving 50 percent more of useful life', says Claudio Steiner, Luxmeter Director.

More specifically, the Chilean copper is crucial because it's a unique manufactured plaque without any welding, preventing filtrations and the adhesion of organic water sediments almost.

'We have become a mature company with the best equipment and energy services available on market. Our projections are to continue improving, innovating, and creating long-lasting bonds with honesty among our clients,' add Mr Steiner.

The new photoperiod system light will be on the market at some point this first quarter, with extraordinary benefits to usability and maintenance. Also, this important step integrates software upgrades to the equipment to improve the fish-cycles, especially in the salmon industry.

For more information about Luxmeter visit their website, HERE.

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Scottish start-up uses fish oils to create eco-friendly detergent

Scottish start-up Eco Clean Team is undertaking a research project with experts from the University of St Andrews to develop a new process that uses by-products from fish farming to produce surfactants – one of the main components in detergents and other industrial and institutional cleaning products.

With six-figure funding support from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Eco Clean is aiming to develop a more sustainable alternative to traditionally petrochemical-based surfactants, which can be produced at scale.

Surfactants – or surface active agents – are used in detergents to disrupt the surface tension on the item being cleaned, helping to trap and remove dirt. Different types of surfactants are used as wetting agents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents for a range of products.

Eco Clean's circular approach uses waste from the growing Scottish aquaculture sector to create the valuable chemical compounds – focusing especially on the fish oils rich in fatty acids which account for around a quarter of the sector's total by-product output. In 2020, the sector produced around 192,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon and has ambitions to grow to its economic output to £3.6 billion by 2030 – highlighting the scale of the opportunity for a more circular approach in aquaculture.

The sector is taking significant steps to reduce and reuse its by-products – for example, in the formulation of biodiesel. However, this project could unlock an opportunity to create higher-value sustainable products with a long-term application.

The bio-based process developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews is more cost effective, efficient and eco-friendly than traditional methods of producing surfactants. The next stage of its development will ensure the new method is replicable, straightforward to implement, and allows surfactants to be producible in high volumes.

Mark Hamilton, co-founder and director at Eco Clean, says, 'While working on a project for the development of a new cleaning product, I began to look at how one of the core ingredients could be produced in a more sustainable way. This developed into the project Eco Clean is working on today.

'This next stage in our research represents a critical step in the process of development then scaling up the production of our sustainable surfactant. We have already proved the feasibility in a previous study and hope that, by the end of this project, we will find ourselves closer to full-scale commercialisation and seeing the surfactant used in a range of industrial and selected household products.

'I was born and grew up in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, so aquaculture and fishing are close to home for me and I have seen first-hand the importance of both to communities in Scotland. However, as the sector grows it needs to do so sustainably, and we believe this project is just one example of a new valuable solution that can come from its by-products.'

The project builds on the success of a feasibility study that was jointly funded by IBioIC and the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) in 2020, with the team having secured funding to take the concept to the next stage of scaling up.

Dr Alfredo Damiano Bonaccorso, senior research fellow at the University of St Andrews, says, 'This project with Eco Clean is an excellent case study of how research can help a novel company to develop an idea by transferring insight and knowledge from academia to industry. The first time I met Mark, he was full of enthusiasm for the idea, keen to develop a sustainable method for producing cleaning products. I was already using fish oil waste to produce biofuel, so decided to explore a similar process and feedstock to produce a bio-based surfactant and we were pleased to see success from the initial feasibility study.'

Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBioIC, adds, 'Bio-based alternatives to petrochemicals will be an essential part of meeting global sustainability targets, and there are wide ranging opportunities to use natural feedstocks that one industry might consider by-products as the building blocks for new products and chemicals. Eco Clean is a great example of a Scottish company helping to grow our bioeconomy by seizing the opportunities biotechnology presents to create more sustainable products.'

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Seafarm first turbot farmer to achieve ASC Flatfish certification

Dutch turbot farmer Seafarm has become the first in the world to achieve certification against the rigorous standards of the ASC Flatfish Standard.

Based in the province of Zeeland, Seafarm has been producing farmed seafood for decades, and takes a 'whole circle' approach to farming turbot, from breeding to selling the fish in their on-site restaurant.

ASC's Flatfish Standard was developed in response to market demand for species like turbot, halibut and flounder, with total global production of the species covered by the standard estimated at around 200,000 tonnes per year. The standard was launched in 2019 following a rigorous development and consultation period. Seafarm achieved certification following a rigorous auditing process carried out by independent certifier SGS.

To achieve certification a flatfish farm has to demonstrate it is limiting environmental impacts such as minimising chemical use and maintaining high water quality, as well as acting in a socially responsible way by providing workers with a safe and fair working environment, and treating neighbours and local communities with respect.

Seafarm take their environmental and social responsibilities seriously. They take advantage of natural spring water and do not use antibiotics or drugs in their production. Their certification is good news for a diverse group of turbot-lovers thanks to their long list of customers. This includes supermarkets and restaurants, including their own situated near their farm for those who like their turbot extra fresh.

'Strong connection with the sea'
Dave Bout, co-owner of Seafarm says, 'We come from a fishing family so we have always had a strong connection with the sea, and a strong desire to protect the environment on which we rely for our food.

'ASC certification gives our customers a demonstrable assurance of this commitment. It means we can show them that our environmental dedication has been transparently audited. Running our own restaurant on-site, we know that this sort of assurance is increasingly important to seafood lovers.'

'First of many'
Maud van den Haspel, ASC General Manager for The Netherlands, says, 'This certification is a demonstration of Seafarm's dedicated approach to responsible farming, and it is a proud moment for all Dutch seafood lovers. It's also great news for consumers because it means they can enjoy turbot knowing it has been produced with minimal environmental and social impacts.

'I'm confident that this will be the first of many certifications. Seafarm's achievement will encourage more producers to follow suit and demonstrate their environmental credentials.'

This is not the end of Seafarm's environmental ambitions. They are currently working on improvements to their energy-efficiency and waste disposal with the aim of producing fish using only renewable energy.

Fascinating Flatfish
Flatfish such as turbot have been farmed commercially for a number of decades, and are well suited to aquaculture. However, the farming of these fish can have a number of environmental and social impacts if not done responsibly. These include negative impacts on biodiversity, use of antibiotics, pollution on water quality, and negative impacts for workers or communities. ASC certification requires that farms minimise any negative environmental impacts, treating and paying their workers fairly, and being responsible neighbours.

As well as turbot, the ASC Flatfish Standard covers a number of halibut and flounder species. These fascinating fish are hard to mistake, with two eyes on one side of their face. Their firm, meaty texture makes them a favourite in restaurants and supermarkets around the world.

For more information about Seafarm visit their website, HERE.

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ADM opens new Aquaculture Innovation Lab at its Animal Nutrition Technology Centre

ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in human and animal nutrition, announced today the opening of its Aquaculture Innovation Lab at the Animal Nutrition Technology Centre (ANTC) in Decatur, Illinois. This laboratory extends ADM's international research and development capabilities to a new region, building on existing aquaculture research facilities located in Brazil, Mexico and Vietnam.

'The opening of this new wet lab demonstrates our commitment to scientific discovery, bringing expanded capabilities to our competitive aqua innovation network worldwide,' says Nuria Miquel, Ph.D., Vice President, R&D, ADM Animal Nutrition. 'It also reinforces knowledge-sharing between our animal and human nutrition colleagues, allowing our innovation projects to benefit from a central hub of expertise.'

Housed within the 12,000 sq. ft. ANTC facility, aqua researchers will have access to a pilot lab that allows production of commercial-equivalent feeds for rapid prototyping of new technologies, such as feed ingredients and additives that can increase production efficiency, mitigate environmental impact and improve animal health and welfare. In addition, the ANTC is strategically located near ADM's James R. Randal Research Centre and ADM production facilities in Decatur.

'This location positions the new aquaculture lab at the heart of our innovation capabilities and the project lifecycle teams that drive nutrition breakthroughs, from concept to commercialisation,' says John Bowzer, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist in Aquaculture and on-site director of the Aquaculture Innovation Lab.

ADM's aqua facilities in Latin America and Southeast Asia include outdoor research labs for shrimp and fish in large, farm-like systems. The unique flexibility of the North American lab is designed for upstream research and product development. At the Aquaculture Innovation Lab, trials can be conducted with a variety of target species and segments, including various water temperature and salinity with tight control over water quality conditions, fish performances, behaviour and health status. Its first trials are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022.

For more information visit the website, HERE.

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The January 2022 edition of International Aquafeed magazine is now available online, in print, and on our app

The January edition of International Aquafeed magazine has now been published in print and online. 

This new issue contains a wide range of exciting feature articles such as: part two of James Cooper's look into an antibiotic-resistant future; resilience in Covid times; how to reliably produce immature fish using synthetic hormone biotechnology; a focus on the conditioning and pelleting process; remote monitoring in shellfish farming; a recent study about prawn and shrimp in Bangladesh; a look back at the recent Aqua Expo; an interview with Dr Philip Lyons, Global Manager of Aquaculture Research for Alltech, and much more!

Apply for a complimentary subscription using the link below, or sign up to our App which will give you a desktop library of back issues to read at your pleasure:

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AquaFarm and NovelFarm have been postponed

AquaFarm, NovelFarm and the new project AlgaeFarm have been postponed. Due to the epidemiological context in Italy, in Europe and in the rest of the world, Pordenone Fiere was forced to postpone the event to permit a safer organisation and guarantee the important level of internationality achieved by the show over the years. The new dates will be May 25th -26th 2022, with a special international conference day on May 27th.

AquaFarm & NovelFarm have been able to carve out a prominent place among the events in the fishing and agricultural sectors in the past years; within the Italian and European panorama they represent a uniqueness. Data shows that the two events, now in their fifth and third editions respectively, boast 35 percent of exhibitors from abroad and an international audience equal to 15 percent of the total (Croatia, Spain, France, Egypt, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Norway and Serbia).

'We took the decision to postpone the event above all to allow the participation from abroad: from Europe and the rest of the world,' says Renato Pujatti, President of Pordenone Fiere. 'We found in both sectors the desire to meet in person again to carry out the work professionally and satisfactorily. Postponing the event was a necessary choice to offer all stakeholders the usual qualified organisation and the recognised excellence of the contents of the event.'

The show offers the opportunity for business, networking and professional updating for all trade operators within the sector. The exhibition area is accompanied by conferences dealing with current and important issues for the future development of aquaculture and agritech. This year to enrich the event there will be some news: AlgaeFarm, an event entirely dedicated to algoculture, AquaFarm R&D Award contest which rewards innovative projects aimed at improving productivity in aquaculture and a Special Conference Day, a day entirely dedicated to a series of international conferences, among which the IYAFA 2022 seminar (International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture), organised in collaboration with FAO, API (Italian Fish Farmers Association) and GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean).

So the appointment is on 25th, 26th and 27th May at Pordenone Fiere.

For more information about the event visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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