The political position of European aquaculture is within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and has recently been the subject of a Communication by the Commission – the first time that the subject has been treated in depth at this level.

Fish farming exists in all EU Member States and is dominated by 5 major species – trout, salmon, carp, seabass and seabream. However, recent diversification efforts have given little impact to both production and economic importance while, in general, growth has slowed and market instability has increased.

Market competition is high within a diverse and dispersed production sector, complemented by third-country production and sectors that target the EU Market, which itself has restructures and been affected negatively by food scares.

Europe is changing and the market is changing – and, with an increasing focus on sustainability, our sector is changing. Within the recommendations and application of the Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable Aquaculture, the CFP will remain the sector’s guideline for the coming years. It is our responsibility to make sure that our contribution and potential are both recognised within and fulfilled by this Policy.

For this to happen, the sector must assure its economic viability, while guaranteeing food safety to the consumer and addressing all of the issues that comprise sustainability. Actions and support within the CFP will be required – notably for simplifying legislation, simplifying licensing procedures and support for entry into the profession and generational change

Vibeke Kristensen is active in the trout farming business, was President of the Danish Association of Trout Farmers and is Vice-President of the FEAP. From 1999-2002, Ms. Kristensen was a member of the Plenary of the EU Commission’s Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Contact Details: Utoft Dambrug, Hedemarken 18 - DK-7200  Grindsted - Denmark
Tel: +45 (75) 353211 Fax: +45 (75) 353282  Email: loevlund@get2net.dk