EU Commissioner Costas Kadis Launches Ambitious Aquaculture Awareness Campaign

In a push to bolster the European aquaculture sector, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis will tomorrow host an event in Brussels to unveil a major EU-wide campaign dedicated to raising awareness and support for the industry.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with Member States and the Aquaculture Advisory Council, aims to spotlight the crucial role of aquaculture in the EU’s food production system. Under the banner “EU aquaculture. We work for you with passion”, the campaign will run for three months, highlighting the dedication of European producers and the benefits of sustainable aquaculture.

With an increasing global demand for seafood and concerns over the sustainability of wild fish stocks, aquaculture – the farming of fish, shellfish, and algae – has emerged as a vital alternative. The European Commission hopes that by fostering greater public understanding and appreciation of the sector, the EU can strengthen its position in the global seafood market while reducing reliance on imports and enhancing local economies.

Showcasing Europe’s Aquaculture Diversity
At the heart of the campaign is a focus on nine key species farmed in the EU: mussels, trout, clams, sea bream, oysters, carp, salmon, meagre, and seaweed. The initiative will showcase the diversity and sustainability of European aquaculture through a variety of media, including educational videos, informative content, and an immersive “farm to plate” experience.

A highlight of the campaign is a specially designed road trip across Europe, visiting aquaculture sites to provide firsthand insight into the industry. This will offer an opportunity to engage with producers, understand their methods, and appreciate the rigorous standards upheld within the sector.

By promoting sustainable aquaculture, the EU not only supports food security but also aligns with broader environmental goals, including the European Green Deal’s ambitions for a more sustainable and resilient food system. Expanding domestic aquaculture can help reduce carbon footprints associated with seafood imports while fostering local job creation.

The official launch event, scheduled for 25th March 2025 in Brussels, will bring together high-level representatives from across Europe’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors.

Commissioner Kadis will be joined by Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus; Jacek Czerniak, State Secretary at Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, a member of the European Parliament’s PECH Committee; Piotr Całbecki, Chair of the NAT Commission in the European Committee of the Regions; and Piroska Kállay, President of the Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems at the European Economic and Social Committee.

In addition to policymakers, the event will feature key industry voices, including aquaculture producers from across the EU and a Belgian retailer. This gathering of stakeholders will serve as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the sector, as well as to promote collaboration between policymakers, producers, and consumers.

The event, set to be live-streamed from 10:00 to 12:30, is expected to attract a broad audience, including industry professionals, policymakers, and consumers keen to learn more about the future of aquaculture in Europe.

A Sustainable Future for EU Aquaculture
The European Commission has long recognised the importance of aquaculture as a means of ensuring food security and economic stability. By increasing domestic seafood production, the EU can not only reduce its dependence on imports but also provide consumers with high-quality, sustainably farmed seafood.

Despite its potential, the sector still faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles, climate change impacts, and the need for greater public awareness. This campaign seeks to address these issues by demonstrating the sector’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.

As the EU pushes forward with its ambitious aquaculture agenda, this campaign represents a critical step in securing public trust and investment in the industry. With greater awareness and understanding, European consumers may soon find themselves more inclined to choose locally farmed seafood, supporting both the economy and the environment.

For those interested in learning more about this vital industry, tomorrow’s launch event promises to be an enlightening showcase of the future of EU aquaculture.