CONSENSUS
Co-ordinator: European Aquaculture Society, Belgium
Start: 01 March 2005
Duration: 36 months
Funding: European Commission Sixth Framework Programme
For more information on this initiative:
Visit http://www.euraquaculture.info/
Or contact:
CONSENSUS Coordinator, European Aquaculture Society, Slijkensesteenweg 4, Oostende, Belgium B-8400
Tel: +32 59 32 38 59 Fax: +32 59 32 10 05
Background Information:
CONSENSUS is an initiative funded by the European Commission Sixth Framework Programme of Research and Technological Development in the area of Food Quality and Safety. It is driven by major European stakeholders representing consumer interests, aquaculture producers, aquatic feed suppliers, environmental, animal health and welfare groups, as well as by stakeholders from various levels of legislative bodies in both the EU and Member States.
All CONSENSUS activities are organised and carried out by the partners in the consortium. The European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) is the main consumer stakeholder and is leading CONSENSUS. Three major industrial federations are also present as well as the European Bureau for Conservation and Development. Other partners in the CONSENSUS consortium have specific tasks and responsibilities for various activities within the initiative.
Aims:
The main aim of CONSENSUS is to ensure that sustainability becomes normal practice in the aquaculture industry in terms of the environment, social contribution and economic success into the future.
Another major role of CONSENSUS is to demonstrate to consumers the health benefits of eating fish and shellfish grown in sustainable conditions. Early results from the meeting have already highlighted the beneficial effects of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), trace elements and vitamins contained in seafood against heart diseases and other cardio-vascular complaints, as well as a wide range of other medical conditions. Furthermore, new information from European surveys shows that consumer perception of the safety and quality of farmed fish is now equal to that of fish caught in the wild.
Partners: