Farmed Aquaponic fish will now carry organic label

November 22, 2008 by Amaete Umanah
Filed under: Aquaponics, Commercial Aquaponics

In the world of Aquaponics, the question of whether farmed fish could be labeled organic, especially carnivorous species such as salmon that live in open-ocean net pens and consume vast amounts of smaller fish, has vexed scientists and federal regulators for years.

Environmentalists and consumer advocates blasted the recommendations, which would serve as the basis for regulations to be issued by the Agriculture Department.Activists questioned why up to 25 percent of fish feed could be made of nonorganic material, while all other animals certified as organic must eat 100 percent organic feed. They also note open-net pens can harm the environment by allowing fish waste and disease to pollute the ocean.

The question of whether farmed fish could be labeled organic, especially carnivorous species such as salmon that live in open-ocean net pens and consume vast amounts of smaller fish, has vexed scientists and federal regulators for years.

Federal officials and advisers have devoted enormous time and effort to developing an organic fish standard, reflecting the dramatic growth of the industry in recent years. U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $20 billion in 2007 and are projected to reach nearly $23.6 billion this year, according to the Organic Trade Association. Fueled at least in part by fears about food safety, sales of organic meat increased tenfold, from $33 million in 2002 to $364 million in 2007, according to market research firm Mintel.

This article is courtesy of www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/health/ny-hsfish215936007nov21,0,7297298.story

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