EU seafood groups join forces at Barcelona

Five major trade organisations representing European aquaculture, fishing and seafood processing have come together in a new strategic alliance. Their aim is to get Europeans to eat – and produce – more fish.

In an announcement at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, they said the alliance is aimed at advancing shared goals and promoting critical industry priorities on a broader stage.

The groups are the European Fish Processors and Traders Association (AIPCE-CEP, combining two organisations), the European Association of Fisheries Producer Organizations (EAPO), EU fishing trade group Europeche, and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP).

Through this alliance, they seek to amplify their impact by forging common ground and promoting collaborative initiatives to reach out to a wider audience.

Pictured above, from left, are: Gus Pastoor (President AIPCE), Lara Barazi (FEAP), Yobana Bermudez (President CEP), Javier Garat (President EUROPECHE) and Esben Sverdrup-Jensen (President EAPO).

The announcement said: “We need society to be aware that fishery and aquaculture products represent a low-carbon source of animal protein that offers significant advantages for human health, climate impact and sustainability. Seafood consumption is good for the people’s and planet’s health.”

Representatives from the associations added: “By uniting efforts, the alliance intends to bring these topics to the forefront of EU and global policy discussions. “We believe that by aligning our efforts, we can achieve meaningful progress in advancing the positive message of seafood consumption.”

“Together, we can effectively communicate the value of our products, advocate for supportive policies and drive positive change.”

During the gathering there was a unanimous call to return to a model within the EU institutions where primary food production, including fisheries and aquaculture, is prioritised alongside agriculture to ensure food security in our market.

They also said the repositioning of the fisheries and aquaculture mandate high in the European Commission’s agenda is crucial and should be implemented during the Commission’s upcoming political mandate period (2024-2029).