Feed conference focus on Asian market

THE fifth Aquaculture Round Table series (TARS 2015) will look at how feeds can add value along the supply chain, from farm to plate.
The supply chain for shrimp, freshwater and marine fish share similar bottlenecks but each has its own opportunity and threats.
TARS 2015, to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from August 19-20, will further explore the influence of feeds on the various phases of production: from maturation and hatchery, to nursery, grow-out and processing and branding.
As the industry learns to survive diseases in all species, TARS 2015 will also focus on functional feeds and building immunity.
Building on the successful format of this roundtable series, TARS 2015 promises a comprehensive agenda of aqua feed and nutrition ‘state-of-the-science’ presentations by international experts, and thought-provoking, interactive breakout sessions with industry participation.
The aqua feed market in Asia continues to grow in close parallel with the increase in global demand for farmed fish and shrimp.
Consumption of seafood is increasing with the expanding middle class population and the shift towards healthy foods, especially in developing nations.
This growth in aquaculture is driving the market for the region’s aqua feed industry.  The global aquafeed market is estimated at USD 122.6 billion by 2019 (Transparency Market Research).
Asia’s aquafeed production was 27 million tonnes in 2014 and is expected to grow (Alltech Global Feed Survey, 2015).
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for aquafeed, accounting for more than 67 per cent of total consumption.
China, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Japan are the major players. With increasing global demand for safe and sustainable products, this sector has to not only stay ahead of demand but also be able to support sustainable farming.
Dr Zuridah Merican, conference chair and editor of Aquaculture Asia Pacific magazine, said: ‘As aquaculture moves towards an integrated supply chain, the industry faces multiple challenges.
‘Markets demand superior feeds based on sound nutrition and sustainable practices that address environmental, social and food safety aspects.
‘There should be more focus on science and less dependence on empirical information to design optimal feeds for each each stage of the animal’s growth as well as the demands of the consumer.’
The two-day meeting, with the theme Aqua Feeds 2.0: from farm to plate, will explore innovative approaches to optimise feeds and feeding for shrimp, freshwater and marine fish for various culture systems and phases of production; new technologies, including functional feed solutions for better health management, immunity and disease resistance; product innovation and branding considerations to meet changing consumer demand and preferences.
TARS 2015 will feature presentations by renowned experts from Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada.
The meeting will also incorporate interactive breakout sessions with industry participation that have become the hallmark of this critical series.
This year, there will be four groups exchanging ideas on how Asia’s aqua feed industry and shrimp, freshwater fish and marine fish sectors should move forward.
 
TARS 2015, organised by Aqua Culture Asia Pacific and Corporate Media Services, and supported by Vietnam’s Directorate of Fisheries (MARD) is expected to draw 200 participants representing the industry and key stakeholders from the region.