The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) announced the launch of iBAP, a program designed to help aquaculture farmers achieve Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification.
According to the GAA, the “I” in the program name stands for “improver.” The aim of iBAP is to incentivize facilities capable of attaining BAP certification to participate in the improver program, which is deadline-driven and provides assistance in applying for BAP certification.
“iBAP will incentivize improvement by opening new business opportunities. Improver programs are well supported by the marketplace,” said Iain Shone, development director at the GAA. “The message is strong: Sign up to iBAP and your product can be supplied to a greater range of customers wishing to support the development of responsible aquaculture. If a facility benefits then they are more likely to make improvements on the ground and move into certification.”
Around 5 percent of global aquaculture production is third-party certified in terms of volume. The goal of the GAA is to promote responsible aquaculture to meet global food needs. iBAP will help create incentive for aquaculture producers to improve and achieve the certification.
Although iBAP will mainly target farms, the program is open to other parts of the aquaculture supply chain, including hatcheries. Facilities can apply directly or through organizations acting on their behalf, such as a processor or buyer.
