Norwegian salmon feed prices have exploded over the past decade, and if the problem has any chance of abating, self-imposed restrictions around marine ingredient replacements need to be removed, according to Skretting CEO Therese Log Bergjord.
Speaking at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum (NASF) 2024 in Bergen, Norway, Bergjord urged the entire supply chain to work together to “break the curve” and take action to both control unchecked price increases and reduce the industry’s dependency on traditional fishmeal.
Norway’s feed costs have risen 80 percent over the past decade, which is partly attributable to currency factors, Bergjord said, such as the weakening of the Norwegian kroner. What makes that a difficult pill to swallow – especially for Bergjord, as salmon farming comprises around 35 percent of her business – is the fact that there are limitations placed on alternative ingredients, such as hesitation related to justifying their use in supply chains.
“Our, to a large degree, self-imposed restrictions have not helped us increase raw material flexibility and keep costs down. Fishmeal is still used today in Norway,” she said. “We, as an industry, have a great opportunity. Salmon is a high-value product. There’s money in the value chain, and I would say it’s our duty to manage the increasing pressure on nature. We must accept and apply the best technology and science that’s available and not drag our feet into the future. Let’s make educated decisions and tell our story well.”
Meanwhile, the world’s second-largest salmon-producing nation – Chile, where Skretting also operates – has done a much better job …
