Norway seeks to cut dependency on imported feed

The Norwegian government is looking to reduce the proportion of farmed fish feed produced outside the country, and it has appointed a special steering committee to look into the sources of aquafeed.

More than 90% of the raw materials used in aquaculture feed is imported, which Oslo regards as far too high a proportion. The government hoped to see at least 25% of materials coming from within Norway within the next decade.

The aim is also for all feed to come from sustainable sources. In this connection, the government has appointed a steering group to provide professional and strategic advice.

Nils Vagstad, Director, NIBIO (photo: Erling Fløistad)

The nine-strong steering group will be led by Nils Vagstad, who was Managing Director of the Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy (NIBIO).

He said: “This is exciting and important work. I am very interested in sustainability and the opportunities that lie in collaboration across blue and green industries and enter the work with great commitment. I can’t wait to get started.”

Vagstad has a professional background in issues related to agriculture, the environment and resource management, and is reported to have  a great commitment to sustainable food production.

Feed producers, livestock farmers and the seafood industry are represented in the steering group.

Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss said: “Fish is good for the climate and health. At the same time, we see that we source too much raw material for the fish feed from abroad.

“A sustainable production of feed based on more Norwegian raw materials will be able to reduce climate emissions and strengthen our degree of self-sufficiency.”

Norway’s Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss