The Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA), in which the two organizations will work collaboratively to advance responsible aquaculture in China and globally through the exchange of information and research.
GAA and CAPPMA inked the agreement during the inaugural China International Aquatic Products Exposition and the 6th International Shrimp Industry Development Forum in Zhanjiang, China, on June 18. GAA is exhibiting at the exposition and participating in the CAPPMA-organized forum.
CAPPMA consists of seafood producers, processors, distributors, suppliers and institutions for fisheries research and education as well as relevant social entities that provide various services for seafood processing and marketing
“This is an extremely important agreement. We recognize the role that CAPPMA plays on both the domestic front and export front, and together we believe that we can bring about real change and deliver great results through this MoU,\" said Peter Redmond, VP of market development for GAA’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) division.
\"We are proud of our continued relationship with CAPPMA and look forward to some fantastic developments in the coming year.”
GAA President George Chamberlain signed the MoU on behalf of the GAA along with Dr. Cui He, VP and secretary general of CAPPMA.
In the MoU, CAPPMA agreed to help identify and enroll processors, farms, feed mills and hatcheries in the BAP program to increase the number of BAP-certified facilities in China and to help identify marketplace endorsers in China. CAPPMA will also tap GAA’s assistance and expertise in its efforts of setting good aquaculture practice standards in China regarding food safety, environment responsibility, social responsibility and animal welfare.
In return, GAA pledged to help identify market endorsers to further promote responsibly produced Chinese farmed seafood products to retailers and foodservice operators worldwide. GAA also agreed to offer training and seminars to help Chinese producers to be able to apply the BAP standards and improve their aquaculture practices.