The consultation will close on Friday, 11 September 2015.
The feed standard is for feed mills producing feed for aquaculture. The standard will recognise producers who can demonstrate their environmentally and socially responsible feed sourcing methods and allows them to gain recognition for their efforts.
As well as being applicable to feed mills seeking ASC certification, the standard could be used by other certification programmes as a reference point.
Invitation to review and comment on the new standard
During the 74 days of public consultation, stakeholders are invited to review and comment on the initial draft of the ASC Responsible Feed Standard and its requirements.
The ASC is committed to the guidelines laid out by the Food and Agriculture Organisations of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Social, Environment, Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL) standard setting code.
In line with their requirements this standard is being developed by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee and through expert input from four Technical Working Groups.
Michiel Fransen, Secretary for the Responsible Feed Project, said: “This is the first opportunity for stakeholders to offer their expertise and help decide the final content of the ASC Feed Standard. We began working on the ASC Feed Standard at the end of October 2013.
"Over the last 18 months a diverse group of experts has helped shape the content of this initial draft of the standard. This review is important to thoroughly test and challenge the draft before we move forward, as well as consider the key issues on which the Steering Committee is particularly seeking feedback.”
How to take part in the consultation
The first round of consultation will run from 30 June to 11 September 2015. A next round of consultation will take place towards the end of 2015.
Anyone can view the draft Responsible Feed Standard and share their expertise and experience through the consultation - click here.
In addition to the online consultation, four outreach workshops will be organised to present the draft standard and gather feedback. The workshops will be held in Guangzhou (China), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand) and Santiago (Chile).
Please send any questions about the Responsible Feed Standard review to Michiel Fransen at: michiel.fransen@asc-aqua.org.
