EMPA President Addy Risseuw, and MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, Vice-President of the Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, pictured at the "Food of the Future" event.
Photo: EMPA
European policymakers are being urged to give shellfish farming a stronger place in future EU food and maritime strategies, with members of the European Parliament calling for greater recognition of the sector’s role in sustainability, food security and coastal livelihoods.
The call came during a conference at the European Parliament organised by the European Molluscs Producers’ Association (EMPA). The event, “Food of the Future: the Shellfish Vision for 2040”, brought together MEPs, policymakers and industry figures to discuss how mussel and oyster farming could contribute to the EU’s blue and green economy goals. The session was chaired by MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, Vice-President of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee.
According to EMPA, shellfish farming can help the EU deliver on its Ocean Pact ambitions for low-impact and healthy food production, while supporting Europe’s food autonomy through local, protein-rich seafood.
The organisation also said the sector supports jobs in coastal areas and provides ecosystem services such as improved water quality and greater marine biodiversity.
EMPA President Addy Risseuw said the industry should be fully integrated into the European Commission’s Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040, describing shellfish farming as “a pillar of climate resilience and sustainable diets”.
“Give shellfish producers a chance, and they’ll give Europe cleaner seas, better jobs and healthier food,” he told the meeting.
A panel debate moderated by Yon-Courtin included contributions from Lorella De la Cruz of the European Commission's DG MARE, Lorenzo Gennari, President of the European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATIP), and MEPs Paulo De Nascimento Cabral and Nicolás González Casares.
Yon-Courtin said the discussion demonstrated that shellfish farming could “be at the heart of Europe’s sustainable and resilient food system and contribute to the development of our coastal regions”. She added: “The shellfish farming sector, its professionals and all their products must not be left behind; they deserve a rightful place in the EU’s maritime and food policies.”
EMPA said Europe’s shellfish producers are ready to help build “a sustainable, greener and more resilient food system for 2040 and beyond”.
According to EMPA, mollusc farming remains the largest segment of aquaculture in the EU, producing more than 500 million tonnes annually with a total value of €1.17 billion. The sector represents over 50% of EU aquaculture output, although production has been in decline for around two decades.
The association represents producers from Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Ireland, and says it accounts for about 90% of companies active in shellfish production and marketing across Europe. EMPA is also a member of the Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) and the Market Advisory Council (MAC).