Title: head of external communications SEE

Association/Company: Donau Soja organisation

> Professional profile

Speech session
Circularity and Sustainability in Food Production

Speech
Unlocking European potential for sustainable, deforestation-free soya protein for aqua feed

Abstract
Soya has been on the aqua feeds radar for some time now. The rapid growth of aquaculture coupled with the limited availability and relative high prices of fish meal and other marine animal proteins made fish manufacturers look for safe plant alternatives. Soybean meal and soy protein concentrate (SPC) are considered as the most nutritive plant protein sources, available at affordable prices.
Compared to fish meal, SPC has the advantage of high protein and amino acid digestibility co-efficiency, readily available and consistent quality. In SPC, the anti-nutritional components are eliminated, making it more favorable to sensitive fish species as salmon and trout. The careful selection of raw materials could also significantly reduce the environmental impact of aqua feed. Donau Soja organization offers solutions for a more sustainable future for European aquaculture, providing verified safe and sustainable soya protein sourced from European fields. Donau Soja ensures the highest standards and supports companies in transition to European and more sustainable protein supply to advance in their sustainability goals. The best-in-class standards guarantee non-GM, deforestation-free and origin-controlled soya and other proteins from Europe. Since 2012, over four million tons of soybeans have been certified in total, produced by more than 10,000 European farmers who have adopted more sustainable farming practices. Certified Donau Soja/Europe Soya soybeans contribute to a 90% reduction in emissions compared to overseas sources and 50% reduction compared to the average European mix.
Utilizing certified European soya in aqua feed could help in transforming European aquaculture in reducing deforestation, preserving biodiversity, lowering the overall ecological footprint, supporting local communities, and delivering in the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.