This move is a prelude of plans to create a sound and consistent aquaculture policy for the EU in the coming years to allow the sector to thrive. The expansion in organic seafood production using natural substances and processes will broaden consumer choice.

 

Involving technical input from the fisheries side of the Commission and procedural aspects from the agriculture side, this cooperative venture entails the separation of organic and non-organic units and specifies animal welfare standards including maximum stocking densities.

 

The animal welfare standards specify that biodiversity should be respected and prohibits stimulated spawning via artificial hormones. Organic feeds should be used while supplemented by fish feeds obtained from sustainably managed fisheries, with special provisions made for bivalve mollusc production and seaweed.

 

In 2008 an estimated 123 certified organic aquaculture operations were in operation in Europe, out of a total of 225 such farms worldwide. These accounted for almost half of world production of 50,000 tonnes in 2008. The top five Member States in production terms are the UK, Ireland, Hungary, Greece and France.

 

Salmon is the top species, with organic salmon fetching at a price premium about 50% higher than conventionally farmed salmon. Its market growth is predominantly strong in France, Germany and the UK.

 

Some EUR17 million (US$21.52 million) worth of seafood is sold under the organic label in France, whose market skyrocketed by 220% between 2007 and 2008. In Germany, in addition to being available at specialised organic supermarket outlets, organic seafood is now sold widely in discount chains operating across the EU.