Creating more transparency in seafood, Cargill extends reporting on aquaculture to include more species and markets
Strengthened safety culture, deepened supplier relationships and wider scope of reporting underscore Cargill’s commitment to sustainability
(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., USA and BERGEN, Norway) May 2, 2018 — Cargill is deepening its commitment to sustainability and supply chain transparency in a new report issued today in both English and Spanish. All 17 of the company’s dedicated aqua feed facilities in 12 countries are now included in its annual reporting, covering 80 percent of its total aquafeed production footprint of nearly 1.5 million tonnes. The company has also expanded its reporting to more species. Driving supply chain improvements, all of the company’s 700 raw material suppliers also agreed to the company’s aqua nutrition Supplier Code of Conduct or an at least equivalent standard.
“After a decade of reporting on the sustainability of our salmon feed, we are now addressing feed for shrimp, tilapia and other species” said Einar Wathne, President, Cargill Aqua Nutrition. “It’s important for us to support our customers with sustainability insights and to continue managing the impacts of our operations across the value chain.”
The sustainability report is based on a value chain approach, addressing the company’s direct impact and broader environmental and social impacts, from consumers and our customers, back to raw material suppliers.
Cargill Aqua Nutrition is increasing its commitment to support sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry while applying best practices across its operations. Highlights from the sustainability performance in 2017 include:
- A continued focus on a culture of safety. Incident rates were almost halved over last year, with further reductions expected moving forward as we continue to put safety above profits.
- Reporting on all 17 of Cargill Aqua Nutrition’s dedicated feed mill facilities across 12 countries. This covers roughly 80 percent of Cargill’s total aquafeed production footprint. Three new facilities will be added in 2018.
- Achievement of an important milestone in the company’s sourcing policy, as all 700 raw material suppliers signed the Cargill Aqua Nutrition Supplier Code of Conduct or demonstrated compliance to their own codes of conduct, containing standards that were at least equivalent to Cargill’s. Engagement with suppliers drives fisheries to join improvement programs and soy processors to work with their suppliers on certification schemes
- Continued partnerships with stakeholders throughout the value to support the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Achievement of a 70 percent waste recycling milestone, with a commitment to improve even further.
- Improvement of nutrient resource efficiencies from sustainably sourced raw materials and developed functional feeds, reducing the impact of waste and disease on the environment and farmers.
Mind the gap
There is an emerging gap between supply and demand for sustainably sourced raw materials for fish feed and Cargill is a vocal supporter of industry collaboration to ensure the long-term growth of the industry.
“Cargill has an ambitious vision to strengthen our global food system with sustainable seafood, and we can’t do it alone,” Wathne said. “It takes joined up efforts across our industry to constantly improve aquaculture practices and nourish a growing population.”
The Cargill Aqua Nutrition Sustainability Report for 2017 is available here:
https://www.cargill.com/aqua-sustainability-report
Media Contact: [email protected]