Kames and Cargill aim for carbon neutral fish

The programme entails a three-pronged approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per kilo of fish by at least 20% by 2030, in line with science-based targets.

The three elements of the programme are:

• Supply chain: collaborating with suppliers and customers to develop emissions reduction initiatives throughout the value chain
• Materials and production: identifying raw materials with lower carbon footprints and developing production
• Feed efficiency: innovating higher welfare feeds, reducing effluents, and improving modelling capabilities

The process is already under way, with Cargill and Kames partnering to assess the ‘hot spots’ where efficiency can be improved.

24% footprint reduction

Kames, based at Kilmelford, near Oban, has a sustainability committee that drives progress across all aspects of the business and has reported a decrease of 24% in the company’s carbon footprint in 2021 from 2020, chiefly through improvements and better transparency in the feed supply chain.

The company’s aim is to implement emissions reductions in its value chain and in time create a fish that not only has an efficient fish in, fish out (FIFO) ratio, but has no carbon footprint impact.

Urgent action

Kames managing director Neil Manchester said: “Kames fully adheres to the UN’s 14th Sustainable Development Goal: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. We recognise our role as providing a solution to the ocean’s recovery whilst feeding the increasing population and understand the responsibility that farming in the sea entails.

“Supporting the 13th Sustainable Development Goal on climate action, it is also critical to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Carbon efficiency resulting in reduced emissions will only be fully achieved if we can work together across the whole supply chain, so it’s fantastic that this programme and open communication is happening, rapidly and at scale.

“We are proud to lead the way for reducing emissions from the trout industry through this partnership with Cargill.”