Benchmark Genetics has opened its new incubation facility located in Vogar, Iceland. It will produce annually 300-400 million ova, enough to make 1 million tons of harvested salmon. This equals 6,6 billion dinner portions worldwide.

The opening of the new facility, which is 2.300 m2, was presided by Svandís Svavarsdóttir, the minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, and Dr. Jónas Jónasson, the CEO of Benchmark Genetics Iceland.

During the ceremony, Jónasson, said: “This is a big milestone for Benchmark Genetics Iceland. This gives us an opportunity to grow even further. This facility makes us able to produce more quality ova and meet the increased demand in salmon farming.”

The company explained that the facility has 10.000 5-liter single incubators, each of which matures ova from one female. Also, it is connected to the company’s existing incubation center, broodstock facility, and harvest station.

Benchmark Genetics Iceland has 86 employees and is located in 6 different locations besides Vogar. The company sells ova to 28 countries all over the world. Besides, it is the only company that is permitted to export eggs to Norway.

On the other hand, the leader in aquaculture genetics confirmed in April it will deliver the roe to Proximar Seafood’s first land-based fish farm in Japan.