The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS), a non-profit organization whose mission is centered on research, education and collaboration to support responsible and regenerative seafood production, will host the Shrimp Summit from July 24-26, 2023 at the New World Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“Asia constitutes two-thirds of global shrimp production, but growth in Vietnam, China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia is leveling off or contracting. On the other hand, Ecuador is projected to represent the majority of the world’s 7% growth in shrimp production in 2023,” said George Chamberlain, president of TCRS and co-founder and former president of the Global Seafood Alliance.
“The goal of the Shrimp Summit is to reverse the declining growth trend across Asia by bringing together key leaders from production, market, and conservation communities in focused breakout sessions to discuss constraints, innovations, and practical solutions,” Chamberlain elaborated.
Summit topics will include global production forecasts, market expectations, shrimp health, breeding, intensification, improvement programs for small-holder farmers, sustainable feeds, opportunities to expand markets, and green/sustainable financing. Discussions and webinars will begin on the TCRS Online Community well in advance of the Shrimp Summit to begin exchanging ideas and sharing expertise. These discussions will continue long after the event to assure an enduring impact. By sharing expertise, developing a common understanding of issues, and working toward consensus solutions, new paradigms are expected to emerge through productivity, improved livelihoods, and achievement of a higher level of sustainability, especially regarding climate change.
Vietnam was selected as the location for the 2023 Responsible Shrimp Summit because of its robust seafood economy – the country’s seafood exports exceeded USD 10 billion last year – and its central location to the rest of Southeast Asia and South Asia. The Directorate of Fisheries of Vietnam will co-host the event, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council has signed on as the first sponsor. A special highlight of this event will be the opportunity to participate in optional field trips to shrimp production facilities in Vietnam, including Minh Phu’s 2,3,4 super-intensive round tank farm, and organic farms raising shrimp in harmony with mangrove forests.
Attendees will represent the entire seafood value chain, including farmers, processors, exporters and importers, feed manufacturers, wholesalers, retail and food service buyers, technology and other service providers, NGOs, and government officials. Some of the world’s leading retail and food service shrimp buyers will participate in the conference. These buyers play a key role in influencing shrimp production practices through corporate social responsibility policies and associated sourcing specifications.
Registration for the 2023 Responsible Shrimp Summit will open in March 2023 at responsibleseafood.org. Packages will offer in-person and virtual access. All packages will include access to the TCRS Online Community, access to pre-summit webinars, and post-Summit on-demand recordings of sessions. In-person packages will include the option to join field trips to shrimp production facilities before and after the Summit.
Organizations interested in sponsoring the 2023 Shrimp Summit should contact Carolyn Gibbons, cgibbons@responsibleseafood.org. Small-scale shrimp farmers are invited to apply for one of ten scholarships available to cover the cost of registration (application available in March 2023).
