News
24.04.2024
Cermaq Canada adopts Cargill salmon feed with Veramaris algal oil
The introduction of algal oil aims to reduce the need for marine fish oils in salmon feed.
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC—Cermaq Canada has committed to a nutritional innovation trial of Cargill’s salmon feed with Veramaris algal oil across several Cermaq farms in British Columbia. The introduction of algal oil aims to reduce the need for marine fish oils in salmon feed.
“Testing Veramaris algal oil in our salmon feed is a significant step towards supporting our fish health, product quality and sustainability goals while reducing our dependence on marine resources. As partners in innovation, the move is the latest benefit of our collaboration with Cargill’s Aqua Nutrition business,” said German Campos, Cermaq Canada.
Veramaris, an algal oil supplier based in Delft, Netherlands, has recently achieved a significant milestone, completing a rigorous three-year process with Canadian regulators and obtaining its first market authorization in March 2024. This regulatory approval is a crucial step forward for Canadian aquaculture, affirming the safety and compliance of Veramaris' ASC-MSC-certified algal oil, which is rich in Omega-3 EPA & DHA, essential nutrients for the health of farm-raised salmon and consumers of the resulting seafood.
“By leveraging the experience of the use of Veramaris algal oil across Cermaq, we look forward to conducting the sea trials and learning more about how we can incorporate this exciting alternative to marine fish oils into our nutritional strategies. Implementing these innovative solutions demonstrates how quickly the aquaculture industry in Canada can move to adopt new techniques,” said David Kiemele, Managing Director Cermaq Canada. “Our company is proud to be one of the first movers in this space in Canada.”
The feeding period will begin in May and focus on introducing the new feed to salmon close to harvest size.
“Cargill is excited to collaborate with our valued partners Cermaq and Veramaris to introduce a new novel ingredient in the Canadian aquaculture market. As we move forward on this sustainability journey for our customers, it is critical we provide alternatives in biodiversity for the feed industry to progress into the future of aquaculture.” said Isaac Yun, Country Director at Cargill Aqua Nutrition.
Veramaris algal oil is produced in Blair, Nebraska, in the US, and offers a regional solution to North American aquaculture producers who are seeking more sustainable, alternative sources of Omega-3.
“Farmers in Chile, Norway, and Ecuador have been successfully using Veramaris natural marine algal oil in their feed for years now. With the recent registration in Canada, we are pleased to see farmers adopting it in salmon feed there,” said Jorge Torres Lagreze, Business Development Americas at Veramaris.
About Salmon Farming in BC
Cermaq Canada is located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Our farms sustainably raise healthy, nutritious salmon to feed the world, reducing pressure on declining wild salmon populations. We operate under a robust protocol agreement with the Ahousaht First Nation, and offer year-round, well-paid employment to rural coastal communities across Vancouver Island. Salmon farming has the lowest carbon footprint of all protein farming, and consistently ranks high when it comes to global sustainability. Cermaq has operations in Canada, Chile and Norway.
About EWOS CANADA
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.
About Veramaris
Veramaris is expanding access to sustainable Omega-3 that’s rich in both EPA & DHA with the world’s first ASC-MSC-certified microalgae oil for fish and shrimp feed.
From our headquarters in Delft, Netherlands to our advanced production facility in Blair, Nebraska, we collaborate with value chain partners to support the entire seafood industry in both creating and capturing value.
From the scientist to the shopper, Veramaris algal oil delivers confidence and ease of use to mitigate Omega-3 supply risk, and attain better performance, less waste, and higher quality seafood.
Media Inquiries
media@cermaq.com
