SCS Global Services (SCS) has become the first auditor accredited to provide certification for Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s (ASC) Feed Standard. The certification program aims to protect marine ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, reduce deforestation, etc.
As one of the leading 3rd party certification bodies, SCS Global Services (SCS) has unveiled that it is bringing its expertise and credibility to the certification process for aquaculture feed. The company got approved as the first certification body for Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)’s new feed certification. SCS follows ASC’s robust and comprehensive Feed Standard requirements to evaluate and assess the entire feed production process, from raw material sourcing to feed formulation and production.
The certification represents a significant step forward in promoting greater environmental and social responsibility within the aquaculture industry. By setting strict requirements for the sourcing of all major feed ingredients, the certification program aims to protect marine ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, reduce deforestation and land conversion (both legal and illegal), and promote sustainable seafood farming practices.
“SCS Global Services is committed to fostering sustainable practices across various industries, and this collaboration enables us to contribute our expertise to the aquaculture sector,” said Jason Swecker, Managing Director of Seafood at SCS Global Services.
Alexandra Warrington, Senior Coordinator, Feed Standard at ASC, relayed that “Ensuring the feed used in seafood farming is sourced responsibly is essential to moving aquaculture towards more sustainable practices. ASC’s Feed Standard requires that feed mills meet strict environmental and social requirements; source ingredients from socially responsible suppliers; and use environmentally responsible raw materials. ASC certified farms now have until October 2025 to change their supply of feed to come from mills that have been certified against the Feed Standard – feed mills that get certified in 2024 will not have to pay license fees on the volume of compliant feed they produce this calendar year.”
The goal is clear for both SCS and ASC that implementation of responsible feed practices in seafood farming will foster a more resilient aquaculture industry. All industry stakeholders, including feed manufacturers and seafood farmers, are invited to actively participate in the adoption of this innovative certification, SCS stated.
