Venezuela gains first ASC-certified aquafeed mills as sustainable shrimp feed demand grows

LATIN AMERICA – The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has certified the first aquafeed mills in Venezuela, marking a new step in the expansion of sustainable shrimp feed production across Latin America.

Agropecuaria Nivar became the country’s first ASC-certified feed mill, followed shortly by Proporca, which also produces shrimp feed for the aquaculture sector.

The certifications enable companies to supply ASC-conforming feed to certified shrimp farms, supporting the traceability and sustainability requirements increasingly demanded by global seafood buyers.

The milestone also strengthens Latin America’s position in the global shrimp supply chain as aquaculture producers face growing pressure to demonstrate responsible sourcing and environmental compliance.

According to ASC, more than 130 feed mills worldwide are now part of its Feed Certification Programme, which requires feed manufacturers to meet standards covering environmental management, responsible ingredient sourcing, labour practices and supply chain transparency.

Marcos Moya, Outreach Lead at ASC, said the Venezuelan certifications reflect increasing regional commitment to sustainable aquaculture production.

“We congratulate both Agropecuaria Nivar and Proporca for achieving ASC Feed Certification,” Moya said.

“By choosing the most robust and transparent certification in aquafeed manufacturing, they demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.”

A representative from Agropecuaria Nivar said the certification validates the company’s focus on responsible feed production, traceability and long-term aquaculture development in Venezuela.

Proporca said the certification strengthens customer confidence while helping ensure the shrimp sector has access to inputs aligned with international sustainability requirements.

ASC feed standards reshape aquaculture supply chains

The ASC Feed Standard has become increasingly important, as certified aquaculture farms are now required to use ASC-compliant feed to maintain their certification status.

The standard applies to all major feed ingredients, including fishmeal, fish oil, soy, wheat and palm oil, and requires feed mills to demonstrate responsible sourcing practices across their supply chains.

ASC says feed can account for up to 90% of the environmental impact associated with seafood farming, making ingredient traceability and sourcing practices increasingly critical for the aquaculture industry.

The programme also aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce deforestation risks, improve sourcing of marine ingredients, and strengthen transparency in aquafeed manufacturing.

Momentum in Venezuela is continuing to build, with two additional feed mills already undergoing ASC Feed Certification audits, according to ASC.

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