Benchmark Genetics named Rudi Ripman Seim as head of production Norway & Global Fish Health, a newly established position. Seim, who has been working in the company since 2012, comes from the role of head of Fish Health.
Benchmark Genetics Norway AS has several partners within broodstock and egg production, joint operations of R&D concessions and research projects. The company plans to strengthen and further develop these relations in line with the long-term strategy as a leading genetics supplier. In recent years, innovations in production technology for off-shore pen farming and land-based production will set new demands to Benchmark as a genetics supplier in the years to come.
In his new position, Seim will be responsible for the relations with the partners and ensure that the company has sufficient production capacity for biosecure broodstock and eggs for supply to its customer all year round. In line with this, he will ensure that production fulfills all requirements to allow Benchmark Genetics Norway AS to resume exports of ova.
Seim will continue to have the overall responsibility for fish health and welfare in Benchmark Genetics for salmon operations in Norway, Chile, Iceland, tilapia in the USA and shrimp in the Americas and Asia. To support him in this role, Benchmark Genetics will recruit a new Fish Health Manager for salmon, who will be responsible for the operational tasks for the company’s salmon units, in Norway and internationally. This position will be located in Bergen. Jonas Jonasson remains the director of production globally and is responsible for broodstock and egg production in Norway, Iceland and Chile.
“Production of broodstock has historically taken place in the sea with a land transfer of selected broodstock some months before egg production. The establishment of land-based broodstock production in Norway has proven to be the best strategy in terms of biosecurity and securing supplies of eggs to our customers. On this site, we hold our broodstock on land either the entire or most of their lives. We are convinced that this is the right development for genetics producers going forward,” said Jan-Emil Johannessen, head of Benchmark Genetics. “As a breeding company, we still need to farm broodstock groups in the sea, for documentation risk mitigation and as a supplement production for the Norwegian market. It is a complicated puzzle where many considerations have to be taken into account. I am very pleased that Rudi Ripman Seim has accepted to take on the responsibility for the coordination and execution.”
Seim is convinced that Benchmark, as a leading egg supplier to the global salmon industry, has a special responsibility to ensure that its customers get the very best start of their production with the right eggs and genetics. “The eggs that we are supplying is the final product from a long process that demands detailed planning, a high degree of control and close integration between fish health, production, genetics and sales. This is challenging and rewarding, and I am looking forward to taking on this new position,” said Seim.
