Experience has shown that solutions—especially big solutions—require collaboration. TCRS works with stakeholders across the value chain, including producers, processors, buyers, regulators, universities, and conservation groups, to overcome the challenges to a productive and equitable aquaculture industry. Our Improver Program is a prime example of how collaboration can unlock opportunity and create new models for sustainability and growth.
Globally, about 80% of farmed seafood comes from small-scale farmers. In Asia, where most of the world’s shrimp is produced, hundreds of thousands of small farms generate approximately half of that production. However, for a variety of reasons, certification has been an unreachable goal for the vast majority of small-scale farms.
Without certification, these hard-working farmers—the backbone of the industry—are at a distinct disadvantage. Unable to demonstrate compliance with best practices, their access to international markets is limited, and with it, their ability to improve their livelihoods.
The TCRS Improver Program harnesses affordable technology solutions and new apps for aquaculture to create an innovative pathway to certification for smallholder shrimp farmers. These technologies improve sustainability, reduce costs, and increase success rates, which are all critical outcomes on the path to certification.
The TCRS Improver Program is a market-driven solution that aims to meet the demands of buyers by expanding the pool of sellers who meet their requirements. International markets for shrimp are dominated by large multinational buyers who have publicly committed to sustainability goals. Some of these large retailers have declared that they will purchase all their seafood products from responsible sources by a certain date, in some cases by 2025. The term “responsible sources” is often defined as either being certified or participating in a credible improver program leading to certification. This makes it imperative for smallholder shrimp farms to achieve certification through an improver program or risk being left out of premium markets.
Once farmers enroll in our program and are registered in the TCRS Sustainability Database, they are immediately visible to international buyers.
Farmers have several incentives to join the program, including: improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability; access to insurance and financing; reduced time lag between harvest and payment; and access to premium markets. On-the-ground coordination, outreach, and support to farmers is provided by Seafood Solutions.
Major international buyers benefit from engaging previously unreachable smallholders in the sustainability journey and from promoting the environmental and societal benefits of the program. International markets for shrimp are dominated by large multinational retail buyers who have publicly committed to sustainability goals. Some of these large retailers have declared that they will purchase all their seafood products from responsible sources by a certain date, in some cases by 2025. The term “responsible sources” is often defined by either being certified or participating in a credible improver program leading to certification. Over time, we expect that more shrimp farmers will need to join improver programs leading to certification or they may end up excluded from premium markets.
Technology companies benefit from the strong demand for credible, validated data accepted by certification bodies and international buyers.
Processors benefit from improved access to preferred sizes, digital traceability, and the likely intensification of their farming base due to improved productivity and access to financing. Shipments from processors to buyers are facilitated by Aqua Star.
NGOs and certification programs benefit by gaining access to a program that effectively reaches and improves smallholder shrimp farming. They collaborate to develop common criteria for improver programs which would seamlessly progress to certification and ultimately to regenerative systems.
Government agencies benefit from enhanced registration of farms. Also, the digital grid structure facilitates zone management, improved allocation of resources such as diagnostic and water quality labs, and better prediction of carrying capacity limits.
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TCRS is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
