The Global Aquaculture Alliance announced Thursday that it's partnering with the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Aquatic Production Chamber of Commerce (APCC), a farmed seafood trade association, to promote sustainable aquaculture in China.
The agreement lays the groundwork for collaboration on key areas, including certification standards, food safety, technology, research and education, according to the St. Louis-based GAA.
The agreement "is significant in that it is another major recognition of Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), in this case, by the world's largest producer of aquaculture seafood," says GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens, adding that the two organizations are establishing a leadership forum to identify and guide China's future aquaculture leaders.
The BAP program addresses the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture, including animal welfare, traceability and food safety. The program's standards are used to certify shrimp, catfish and tilapia production, including hatcheries, farms and processing facilities.
"The recognition by APCC of the rigorous, science-based standards, BAP, that GAA has developed shows the strong commitment of the Chinese industry to sustainable aquaculture," notes Stevens. "While both industries will surely benefit from this collaboration, the real beneficiary will be the ultimate consumer of the seafood produced in China."
APCC is co-sponsoring the GAA's Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership (GOAL) conference in Qingdao, China, from Oct. 28 to 31.
