The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates a certification and labeling program based on scientifically robust standards for responsible aquaculture practices. In BioMar we are committed to implementing the ASC Feed Standard, which was first released in June 2021 and updated in January 2023.
The ASC Feed Standard outlines criteria for responsible aquafeed production, applicable to entire facilities, even if they also produce livestock feeds. It includes principles covering social and labor rights, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable sourcing of raw materials. A transition period until October 2025 requires ASC-certified farmers to source their feed from ASC-compliant mills.
BioMar’s Commitment and Implementation
We have conducted a comprehensive review and update of its policies to align with ASC requirements. Our efforts focus on integrating these policies into local management systems to ensure alignment across global and local teams. The ASC Feed Standard is a top priority for BioMar as our portfolio includes hundreds of thousands of tons of aquafeed for ASC-certified fish and shrimp farms globally. Meeting these customers demands is crucial for us.
The Five Principles of ASC Feed Standard
Principle 1: The UoC has a management system to implement the ASC feed standard including operating legally, and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Principle 2: The UoC sources ingredients responsibly through the application of a Code of Conduct and Due Diligence process to manufacturers and ingredients.
Principle 3: The UoC accounts for eligible ingredients input using segregation or mass balance models.
Principle 4: The UoC sources marine ingredients responsibly.
Principle 5: The UoC sources plant ingredients responsibly.
BioMar believes that the ASC Feed Standard is a valuable tool for enhancing the sustainability and responsibility of the aquaculture industry. We are proud to be part of this initiative, working towards a more sustainable future for aquaculture.
Read the full story and read more about BioMar's sustainability initiatives in our 2023 Sustainability Report.