EU fisheries and aquaculture alliance to protect industry priorities

AIPCE CEP, EAPO, EUROPECHE, and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) have launched an alliance to protect industry priorities and advance shared goals. The associations representing the EU fisheries and aquaculture industry have taken advantage of the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona to discuss and establish guidelines.

"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," a shared statement says.

If you're at the Expo, please drop by to say hello at the WeAreAquaculture booth in Hall 1, B508. On the contrary, if you aren't attending this year, check our live blog from the event to stay tuned.

A wake-up call to the European Union

On the other hand, the "EAT FISH" alliance seeks to alert about the need to prioritize fisheries and aquaculture over agriculture to ensure food production and food security in the European market.

Furthermore, representatives from the five associations underlined the importance of re-adding the industry role in the European Commission's agenda and its presence during the next political mandate period (2024- 2029).

Therefore, agriculture and fisheries will both be considered in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and be equally significant for EU policies.

In early April, the General Secretary of FEAP, Javier Ojeda, asked the EU for balance measures between environmental protection and food production during the informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Fisheries in Bruges.

Finally, the alliance also aims to inform and educate consumers about the production processes and details and nutritional benefits of fish and seafood products.