August 2, 2012

Camanchaca receives BAP certification for salmon facility and farm

Camanchaca is the second largest salmon producer in the world, and the first in the southern hemisphere to attain two stars for the certification of Aquaculture Best Management Practices (BAPs) of the Global Alliance for Aquaculture (GAA).

BAP standard ensures that salmon production is carried out in an environmentally and socially responsible way and that the resultant product is safe for human consumption.

Obtaining two stars means that the processing plant in Tomé, in Region VIII, and the farming centres at sea from where Atlantic salmon is being harvested have been certified.

The BAP standard provides quantitative guidelines to assess adherence to practices such as the environment, social responsibility, animal welfare, food security and product traceability.

A committee composed of people from different countries and entities -- international supermarket chains, regional environmental organisations and universities, among others -- ensures the implementation of the criteria.

According to company reports, the certification of Salmones Camanchaca began to take place in March 2012 with the centre of Puelche.

"It was consolidated with the award of this standard from July, in Chonos, Licha and Mañihueico centres, and from August in Contao, Edwards Bay and Punta Islotes centres, all of them located in southern Chile, as part of a plan to have all the farming centres certified by the end of the year," Camanchaca stated.

Last February, companies, Mainstream Chile and Trusal SA, were granted BAP certification.