Strengthening organic aquaculture in Europe

Summary

This policy brief outlines key factors shaping organic aquaculture development in the EU.
Organic aquaculture is still at an early stage of development in many countries, and its situation is fragile. The enterprises are sensitive to input availability and costs (especially feed and juveniles), as well as market demand and prices, and production and processing systems can be capital intensive. Technical knowledge and market and policy engagement are critical. In most cases, it is not possible to integrate aquaculture systems within broader farming systems to capitalise on synergies and provide a buffer in challenging circumstances.
The aim should be to build organic aquaculture up to the same status and importance for EU sustainability outcomes as organic farming.