Mowi leaves Global Salmon Initiative
Mowi has left the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), the leadership initiative established by leading farmed salmon chief executives.
The news was revealed by the GSI today in a statement outlining new targets to establish salmon farming as the leading provider of sustainable, climate-friendly and nutritious food.
“As with any organisation, there are moments of evolution and members decide to take their own journey. As we announce this new vision, it is noted that Mowi has decided that the time is right for them to take their own independent path,” stated the GSI.
Transparency
Gerardo Balbontin, co-chair of the GSI and chief executive of Chilean salmon producer Blumar, said: “Mowi has contributed a great deal to GSI, and we are confident that they will continue on the course that GSI set for the industry towards greater sustainability and transparency.
“At the same time, it is important that the GSI moves forward with ever more ambitious goals and that is what we are announcing today. We have identified the areas where we see the greatest need for industry action, and where we believe our model of working will drive the greatest progress.”
Mowi told Fish Farming Expert’s Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl, that the GSI had brought parts of the industry together across borders to improve its sustainability and productivity through joint efforts and the sharing of best practice. It had also been instrumental in the development of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standard, Mowi’s preferred certification.
“Our commitment to sustainability remains unchanged and is well defined in our Leading the Blue Revolution plan,” said Mowi, the world’s biggest Atlantic salmon farmer.
“We acknowledge that cooperation is vital to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the industry, and we will of course continue to cooperate with our peers and colleagues to accelerate progress.
“We believe that the most significant progress has been made and that it is now time to look at new ways to progress out with the GSI.
“In recent years, the GSI has been most active in Chile with discussion on sustainability and biosecurity. We still believe in close cooperation with the other companies operating in Chile as well as the other countries in which we operate. However, we do not believe that a global organisation is the most effective solution to local and national challenges.”
Global presence
The GSI was established in 2013 by global farmed salmon producers focused on making significant progress on industry sustainability. Its membership comprises Australis Seafoods; Bakkafrost; Blumar; Cermaq; Salmones Camanchaca; AquaChile; Grieg Seafood; Multiexport Foods; New Zealand King Salmon; Nova Sea; Salmones Austral; Tassal; and Ventisqueros.
GSI companies have a presence in Australia, Canada, Chile, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.
The GSI also has a number of supply chain associate members including Benchmark Holdings; BioMar; Cargill; Elanco; MSD Animal Health; PHARMAQ; Salmofood; and Skretting.
