The workshop held in Puerto Varas, close to Puerto Montt the Chilean capital of salmon, was an opportunity for businesses that supply and source salmon to meet.
At the workshop, Esther Luiten gave a presentation on the ASC certification and labeling programme, focusing on market commitments. Laurent Viguie, ASC’s lead on commercial outreach in Brazil played a key role in convening the workshop.
Reflecting on the workshop, Esther said: “The Chilean producers presented their efforts and activities towards sustainability, informing the Brazilian audience members of the Global Salmon Initiative and the commitment to meet the 2020 ambition of ASC certification.”
Cermaq explained its efforts to achieve ASC certification for Mainstream Chile, the very first Chilean production site currently in assessment. AquaChile described how their Verlasso farm is reducing benthic impacts. And, Camanchaca told the audience about their innovative effort 10 years ago to start building the first contained hatchery in Chile.
“WWF also gave a presentation on the support they can give to transition Chilean salmon producers towards ASC through their aquaculture improvement projects. While, ProChile, the Chilean export support organization, underlined the growing importance of credible certification programmes not only in Europe, but increasingly in other markets,” said Esther.
“Also the Organising Committee for the Rio 2016 Games was represented to clearly flag the ambition of the games to source locally produced ASC certified seafood. When it comes to salmon, Brazil is the second largest importer after the US – and, Chile is the most local the Brazilians can get.”
The second day of the workshop included field visits to the AquaChile land-based hatchery facility, their marine farm and the Los Fiordos feed mill. “This really brought all pieces together to make the business opportunity real,” Esther continued.
“Sometime during that second day a few containers of salmon were sold. All in all, a good indicator for the groundwork established during this workshop. I am pretty sure that we will have ASC certified Chilean salmon at the Olympic Games in 2016.”
