Shrimp producer Quoc Viet, has become the first farm to enter into assessment against the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Shrimp Standard.
Quoc Viet supplies customers from the U.S., Japan, EU, Australia, Canada, Korea, South East Asia and other countries. In 2013 the company supplied 15,000 metric tons (MT) of shrimp and it aims to increase that to 20,000 (MT) in 2014.
Vietnam is the third biggest exporter of farmed shrimp globally. Around 90 percent of its total volume is exported. Quoc Viet, based in Camau Province Vietnam, has been working with WWF Vietnam to support small-scale shrimp farms in improving their own operations as they aim to also achieve ASC certification.
“For us as a family business it is fundamental that our farming systems are operating responsibly with minimal environmental and social impacts. It’s the right thing to do,” said Ngo Quoc Tuan, Quoc Viet VP. “Our reputation relies on the quality of our product.
ASC is globally recognized and has rigorous criteria. With ASC certification we will be able to show to our customers that our farm is managed responsibly and that will have been confirmed through independent audit.”
“We are delighted that Quoc Viet has entered its farm for ASC assessment,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO. “For ASC this is another milestone — an achievement which is thanks to the hard work Quoc Viet has put in to reach assessment and the dedication and work of the shrimp dialogue members who produced the standard.
“Through the application of the ASC Shrimp Standard I hope to see the growth of responsible shrimp aquaculture, which will benefit the environment, consumers, producers and supply chain.”
Quoc Viet’s farm audit is due to take place from 16-17 June. The assessment of Quoc Viet’s farm against the ASC Shrimp Standard will be carried out by independent third party certifier, Control Union.
Since Quoc Viet entered assessment three more shrimp farms have also entered the ASC program. The farms, based in Ecuador, belong to the family-owned company Omarsa. The farms’ audits are scheduled for June.
