FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 7 August 2025 And it continues to evolve. The responsible, traceable use of byproducts has been heavily investigated, allowing BAP to encourage the use of byproducts from primary processing facilities meeting these requirements. We have designed approvals for marine ingredients working towards certified practices, allowing products from approved Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). Just this year, BAP and the aquafeed industry moved to increase the approved fisheries products requirement to 75 percent, demonstrating the impact of gradual change in the certification process. However, as these new assurances are implemented, new issues arise. In the ongoing effort to improve the sustainability profile of aquaculture in the marketplace, feed ingredients – specifically soy and fish oil – have placed tremendous strain on the supply chain’s carbon footprint. In 2025, the soy requirements are being adjusted once again to require all certified feed mills to commit to zero deforestation and conversion and provide a written plan with achievable timelines to accomplish this – a massive undertaking for the aquaculture supply chain. The ever-growing understanding that climate-smart aquafeed will be the backbone of climate-smart aquaculture has begun to guide much of our future Feed Mill Standard development, with even greater goals and expectations placed on feed producers. As we look towards developing the next iteration of the BAP Feed Mill Standard, these upcoming criteria will represent a significant component of GSA’s climate adaption and mitigation strategy moving forward. In addition to the core requirements on food safety, social responsibility and environmental responsibility, we will begin to explore how certified facilities – and every pellet of production from those facilities – can better demonstrate climate-smart sourcing and production practices. GSA’s continuous improvement philosophy is built on a foundation of monitoring evolving best practices and constant stakeholder engagement. It is through this combination that responsible feed has emerged as a central focus in the sustainability community. With the recognition that the continual improvement of soy and marine ingredients sources is needed, the availability and pathways to improvement appear increasingly challenging. Aquaculture is heavily supported by a foundation of sustainability, with expectations for responsible production becoming the norm. It is our responsibility as standard owners to demonstrate where the industry should be moving and guide it along the most responsible path forward to achieve these objectives, assuring growth and opportunity for all links in the supply chain. The current and future expectations of ingredient sourcing for aquafeeds will place tremendous strain on producers across the globe in variable ways. While some regions may develop clearer pathways, others may be at risk of falling behind. This is where GSA’s focus on measured, inclusive progress becomes even more imperative. As we continue to engage with farmers, feed mills, hatcheries and processors of all shapes and sizes, we encourage members of the global feed community to engage with aquaculture, understand our priorities, and ultimately join GSA in a journey towards providing more responsible seafood for generations to come. Adobe Stock | 334667576
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