BioMar Costa Rica achieves ASC Feed Certification

COSTA RICA – BioMar’s Costa Rica production facility has obtained the ASC Feed Certification, reinforcing its commitment to responsible aquafeed production in Central America. 

This achievement solidifies BioMar’s role as a key supplier of sustainable feed for shrimp, tilapia, and marine species across North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The ASC Feed Standard sets rigorous environmental and social responsibility criteria, including sustainable raw material sourcing, labor rights, and environmental management. 

By meeting these stringent requirements, BioMar Costa Rica ensures that aquaculture farmers can access ASC-compliant feed, supporting the industry’s shift toward sustainable seafood production.

Jorge Vargas, Managing Director of BioMar Costa Rica, emphasised the significance of this achievement, which shows the company’s dedication to driving positive change in the aquaculture industry. 

“With this certification, we will be able to provide access to ASC-compliant feed in the region and support our customers’ efforts to meet the growing demand for sustainable seafood in global markets.”

Aisla Jones, Feed Engagement and UK Markets Manager at ASC, also highlighted the impact of this milestone: “It’s fantastic to see BioMar achieve yet another milestone with their feed mill in Costa Rica attaining ASC Feed Certification – the first in the country. 

She elaborated that this certification ensures farmers have access to feed that meets the rigorous environmental and social requirements in the ASC Feed Standard, reinforcing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain to drive aquaculture further towards sustainability. 

This certification aligns with BioMar’s global sustainability strategy. Costa Rica will now join Ecuador, Chile, and the United Kingdom on its list of ASC-certified production sites.

BioMar reports record-low Forage Fish Dependency Ratio

In another significant sustainability milestone, BioMar has announced an all-time low Forage Fish Dependency Ratio (FFDR) of 0.37 in its 2024 Sustainability Report. 

This reduction was achieved through the increased use of alternative ingredients and trimmings, which now constitute 55% of BioMar’s total raw material supply.

“We have had an impressive sustainability year,” said Carlos Diaz, CEO of BioMar Group. “Proving that being sustainable is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense. Our early investment in innovation and raw material development is paying off, and we will likely see an escalation in the production of alternative materials in the coming years.”

BioMar has pioneered sustainable aquafeed innovation, with nearly 70% of its total production volume in 2024 incorporating microalgae-based ingredients. 

The company continues to embed a sustainability-focused mindset, from research and development to commercial execution.

“We have successfully embedded a sustainability mindset across the company, from R&D to commercial teams worldwide. Of course, we can do more, but we are very happy with our progress,” added Diaz.

BioMar’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint remains on track, with a 14.4% reduction in total feed carbon emissions from its 2020 baseline. 

The company was the first aquafeed producer to align with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) 1.5°C trajectory and has reported a 20.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as a 23.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.

Vidar Gundersen, Global Sustainability Director at BioMar Group, remarked: “We continue to deliver good results on our SBTi carbon reduction targets. This year we have achieved a 20.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 23.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the baselines.”

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