Tim Huntington (APFIC Consultant)
a) | There are many social and environmental certification schemes, but these are limited in terms of suitability for APFIC producers/retailers. |
b) | MSC and other environmental certification schemes are growing but still small in terms of overall global values. |
c) | To date, social certification schemes for fisheries have generally not been successful. |
d) | Seafood product branding is growing in importance. |
e) | Demand by different interest groups is very dependent on particular species, end consumer, country, sector (retail/food service), etc. In general (i) social schemes are not in strong demand, (ii) consumers are selfish in their buying behaviour, (iii) price premiums from certification in the long term may be unlikely, with benefits more likely in terms of market access and (iv) branding can be effective, but is costly and takes time. |
f) | APFIC members must be rational in initiating certification and branding initiatives, and must consider the net benefits. |
g) | Certification and branding are not the only potential methods for product promotion and there may be at least as much net benefit in working on other aspects (pricing, quality, new products, logistics improvements, etc.). |
h) | It is important to comply with basic mandatory requirements first before becoming concerned with other non-mandatory aspects. |
Discussions
Duncan Leadbitter and Kozo Ishii (Marine Stewardship Council, MSC)
Discussions
Sudari Pawiro (INFOFISH)
Discussion
Martin Bjerner and Magnus Torell (SEAFDEC and Sida)
Discussion
Rolf Willmann (FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department)
(i) | The threat that ecolabelling schemes could be used as new forms of barriers to trade; |
(ii) | The scientific basis of certification standards and criteria; |
(iii) | The potential difficulties for developing countries to participate in such schemes, especially the small-scale producers; and |
(iv) | Last but not the least the potential confusion among traders and consumers which may derive from the utilization of a number of various and diverse product labels, themselves relating to different criteria and standards. |
Discussion
Sebastian Mathew (International Collective in Support of Fishworkers)
Discussion