Brande, Denmark-based BioMar Group, a leading supplier of aquaculture feed, has announced a “Protein Partnership” with Vienna-based Donau Soja Organization.
The partnership is between BioMar and Donau Soja in Crotia. The Protein Partnership aims to increase the production of non-genetically-modified feed ingredients in Europe by supporting European farmers entering into the industry.
“BioMar believes in the Protein Partnership and its focus on training the local farmers in Croatia and improving the socio-economic and ecological situation there,” BioMar Global Sustainability Director Vidar Gundersen said. “Together we build local value chains and bring added value to production in the rural areas of Europe.”
According to a release from BioMar, the company chose Croatia as a partner “due to its existing proximity to existing supply chains,” which includes three Croatia-based agricultural cooperatives that have 540 farmers farming soybeans. The European Union imports millions of metric tons of soybeans annually, some of which can be sourced from sensitive ecosystems.
“Protein Partnerships are designed as an alternative to credits from overseas, as a simple tool for building up safe and sustainable non-GMO soya production in Europe, at relatively low costs,” BioMar said. “They strengthen the first link in the physical value chain, as well as investing in training and certifying farmers and primary collectors.”
Participants in the partnership in Croatia will gain access to training and other advice, in addition to having the higher E.U. standards and Donau Soja requirements guaranteed.
The partnership between BioMar and Donau Soja represents the first aquaculture industry to participate in the Protein Partnership program.
