2010-06-17
June, 10, Dr. Sarnissa, the European Commission the Seventh Framework Program SEAT (Sustaining Ethical Aquaculture Trade) Chief Executive in Asia, and delegation visited Guangdong Tongwei Fish Ecological Breeding Base. The guests gave high credit for Tongwei’s green farming operation mode, and Tongwei Tilapia’s traceability system.
SEAT is an EU 7th Framework Programme (FP7) project relating to large-scale collaborative research. The project will explore the sustainability of the trade in aquaculture products from Asia, on which the EU has become increasingly dependent.
Some key topics being addressed by the project include environmental impact, Life Cycle Analysis, social justice and ethics, economic efficiency, nutritional quality, food safety and policy development.
SEAT will consider whole value chains for tilapia, catfish, shrimp and prawns extending from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Bangladesh to the European Union.
A key output of the project will be the Ethical Aquatic Food Index (EAFI). Through the EAFI it is hoped that a more participatory approach will be taken to standards setting and improved aquaculture products, as well as public perception of these products.
By strengthening the knowledge base surrounding EU-Asia seafood trade the project will provide the evidence required to support further expansion of the industry, whilst ensuring a fair deal for producers who are meeting appropriate social and environmental goals and offering a safe and sustainable product for consumers.