Measuring impact is the first step towards reducing it. For years carbon calculations for soy in aquafeed relied on generic data, which does not reflect the reality of responsible farming. In 2019, together with ProTerra, we embarked on a mission to deliver science-backed, verified emissions data for key soy ingredients used in aquafeed.
The journey was not without obstacles. The COVID-19 delayed crucial data collection, making on-the-ground verification difficult.
Satellite geospatial verification technology has been used to provide independent confirmation of Land Use Change (LUC) over the past 20 years. This has given us more acturate documentation on LUC making for a more correct carbon footprint.
BioMar has integrated this new verified carbon footprint data into its BioSustain LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) tool.
The results of this study have been remarkable. The reduction in carbon footprint across all three key soy products was substantial.
The impact of these lower emissions will be felt across all aquaculture species. Still, it will be particularly profound for salmon farming, where SPC plays a central role in feed formulation.
The lower carbon footprint of ProTerra soy translates to impactful reductions in the emissions per kilogram of farmed salmon.
This initiative also supports greater transparency in feed sourcing, helping farmers meet increasing demands from regulators, retailers and consumers for responsible ingredient choices.
This achievement is a win for the entire aquaculture industry. The dedication of Brazilian soy farmers and ProTerra-certified suppliers has proved that high-quality soy with a lower impact can go hand in hand.
The collaboration between BioMar and ProTerra reaffirms a shared commitment to build a feed supply chain that supports high-performance aquaculture and a healthy planet.
Results (6)
The Sustainable Feed Mission is a Norwegian national initiative set to transform their food system though feeds. Bringing together industry, research, and policymakers, the mission aims to cut emissions, enhance food security, and strengthen Norwegian feed ingredient production.
Conventional farming has led to soil degradation, with an estimated 60 years of topsoil left if depletion continues. Regenerative agriculture offers a solution by improving soil microbiomes, which are crucial in creating symbiotic relationships with crops.
Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions will be important as the aquaculture industry transitions towards lower-carbon production. These emissions, now tracked under the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), originate from land use and agricultural activities rather than from energy consumption.
The collaboration between Lunar, BioMar, Scottish Sea Farms, and Marks & Spencer is a great example of a local value chain in action, that starts in Scottish waters and ends on Scottish dinner tables. By working together, we can enhance the resilience of Scotland’s seafood supply chain, ensuring a responsible and efficient food system.
The aquaculture industry has focused on reducing carbon footprints for years, which is a key element of environmental responsibility. An overlooked factor lies beneath the water’s surface. Gases like methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases are greenhouse gases significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. While CO2 has dominated climate discussions, these lesser-known gases may significantly impact the environmental footprint of farmed shrimp.
The link between what we eat and how it impacts our health has never been clearer. The food we eat plays a vital role in our health, and when it comes to seafood, this connection runs even deeper. It is not just about what we eat, but about what our food eats.