Genomar Genetics Group, a tilapia genetic product distributor and a subsidiary of EW Group, is building a tilapia breeding and genetics center in the state of Tocantins, Brazil.

The hatchery will be first-of-its-kind for tilapia species in the Latin American region and will have sufficient capacity to manage GenoMar’s breeding programs as well as produce parent stock for its distribution operations. The new facility is expected to be operational by the 2020 first quarter.

“We have spent the last two years planning for this investment and our team has done fantastic work bringing 20 years of experience in practical tilapia breeding, together with the latest knowledge and advances in genomic selection to maximize the efficiency of breeding, as well as consistent biosecurity projects,” said chief executive, Alejandro Tola Álvarez.

“This new breeding center will enable us to meet our future infrastructure needs for managing several tilapia breeding programs and deliver genetic improvement to our customers at a faster rate,” said Diones Almeida, director of GenoMar Genetics Latin America.