Let me be very clear – sustainability is an imperative feature for the future of seafood (aquaculture and wild catch). However, the future is about more than just sustainability, its about corporate responsibility.
What do I mean by corporate responsiblity? Check out the corporate responsibility reports of all the world’s leading retailers and food manufacturers and you’ll find slightly different definitions and practices (its well worth doing this, you’ll have your eyes opened).
The basics are pretty much the same though, its about trying to minimise your negative actions and maximise your positive actions. Create a positive impact from your business activities.
Examples of corporate responsibility might include product positioning, environmental impact of business activities, integrity of sourcing practices, impact on local communities etc.
Will this help your business? From my experiences working in the UK with Young’s Seafood and Sainsbury’s, and contact I have had with Wholefoods in the US. The answer is YES YES YES. See these examples:
To capitalise on the market opportunity you have to give the customer what the consumer wants. Corporate responsibilty can give you a point of difference as you develop your aquaculture business.
Can anyone share any other examples of exemplary corporate responsibility amongst producers / suppliers or retailers inside or outside the seafood industry?
Tags: Add new tag, corporate responsibility, marketing, retail
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I think Paul has raised a very interesting and worthwhile concept. Today’s consumer is far more informed and concerned with a wider range of issues (including environmental impacts, animal welfare, human health issues etc) than ever before. Many consumers go to lengths to research the companies that they purchase products from to ensure these companies are not in conflict with the consumers values.
Companies are responding to this by advertising their ideals and attempts to minimise any negative impacts their business may have (be it environmental, social or other) and promote positive contributions. For example, companies may advertise that they are planting x amount of trees to offset their carbon emissions from production of their particular product.
Many industries are also looking at chain of custody certification schemes and sustainability certifications. Perhaps the Aquaculture Industry could think about some sort of “Sustainable Inputs” certifications or “Fish Welfare” certification schemes??
Those interested in this article might also like to see this – practical examples of current corporate responsibility.
http://www.foodnavigator.com/Financial-Industry/Strategic-focus-directs-corporate-responsibility/?c=m%2BDaSw4vALfbmG101BWN%2Bw%3D%3D
Paul
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability concepts are quite new in many areas. I am glad to see companies like Youngs Seafood establishing its own principles for corporate responsibility to deal with sustainability and procurement, however it is often easier to say than do especially for aquaculture operators. Many companies have Corporate Social Responsibility polocies in their Corporate Governance Charter these days however only a handful of them is willing to go the extra length to conduct Stakeholder Impact Report such as those prepared by Westpact Banking Corp.
Aquaculture polution do exist but not frequently mentioned, let alone a detailed report prepared by fish farm operator assessing environmental impact. Open net cage fish farms can discharge significant amounts of wastewater containing nutrients and chemicals that impact the surrounding environment. For example, the nutrients in unused fish feed and fish faeces can cause local algal blooms. These blooms lead to reduced oxygen in the water, which in turn can lead to the production of ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulphide, which are toxic to many aquatic species. Reduced oxygen can also directly kill marine life.
There should be more investments in environmental protection hence sustainability in this industry.
The Scottish Government recently released a framework for developing the future of aquaculture in Scotland. One of the five ’stategic objectives’ it to have a ‘Greener’ industry. Further information can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/06103512/6
Of particular interest to me was the need to minimise the discharge of medicine residues given to farmed finfish so that wild fish are not affected. Similar to containing garden fertilizers from washing into rivers affecting algae levels.
There is a FMCG Corporate Sutainability survey being undertaken in Australia currently.
For those that participate in the survey, you are entitled to receive a free report on leveraging sustainability for competitive advantage.
The survey takes 10 minutes and the report is worth the time. You can access at:
http://www.fmcg-sustain.com.au/help/research/sustainability-barometer/
Here’s an example of an aquaculture enterprise going the extra mile and doing more than the “warm fuzzy feeling and not much else” efforts at CSR we so often see.
Australis Barramundi is the only company in the USA farming barramundi. Their expertise in controlled-environment aquaculture and commitment to sustainability has earned it the reputation as ‘the gold standard’ for environmentally-responsible aquaculture.
The Company’s innovative water filtration system purifies and recycles 99% of its water, isolates its fish from the environment (avoiding disease and fish escapes), minimizes the use of fish meal and oil, eliminates the need for hormones and antibiotics, and generally reduces the environmental impact of its activities.
They recently won the “Special Award for Environment” at the 7th Annual Australian Sustainability Awards, adding to an impressive list of similar awards already in their trophy cabinet.
http://www.thebetterfish.com/news2/in-the-news/in-the-news/australis-aquaculture-wins-sustainability-award
It is very important to understand the importance of aquaculture in the market, as well as to understand the consumer perception and industry demands. Companies should respond to interested parties that have a legitimate interest in their business (Stakeholders).
•Stakeholders have a legitimate interest when:
a.Without their support a company can’t survive (Shareholders or Clients)
b.Can retrieve the licence to operate (Government or the Community)
•Stakeholders vary between organization.