Earthworm Foundation, an international non-profit organization undertaking social and environmental projects, is partnering with BioMar to drive responsible shrimp projects in Ecuador. The partnership was announced by Florie Hovine, member manager at Earthworm Foundation, at the Global Seafood Expo in Barcelona and aims to drive good farming and social practices.  

“Shrimp farming has a unique impact on the environment and there is an opportunity to work with Ecuadorian shrimp producers to support them by sharing improved environmental and social practices,” said Florie Hovine.  

Since 2021, BioMar and Earthworm Foundation have been assessing the Ecuadorian shrimp industry to build a framework for addressing the major issues in the industry. The project has taken a holistic approach, analyzing everything from sourcing raw materials to the production and processing of shrimp. This includes raising awareness and training staff in global best practices that go beyond standard certification schemes.   

Local communities are often not directly involved in the operations of shrimp farms, as workers require specific skills not usually found locally. The BioMar-Earthworm Foundation project will support educational programs aimed at upskilling local people to enable them to become qualified for shrimp farming employment. This way, local communities benefit from the expected expansion of the Ecuadorian shrimp segment.  

“The expansion of any market requires us to consider the impact on people and the environment. By partnering with a highly respected and knowledgeable organization that specializes in social and environmental initiatives like Earthworm Foundation, we are ensuring that the growth of Ecuadorian shrimp production is done in the right way,” stated Henrik Aarestrup, VP LATAM, Shrimp & Hatchery, BioMar Group. 

Shrimp is primarily considered a commodity and is often farmed and processed in bulk. Through the Earthworm Foundation project, there is an opportunity to move the market beyond commodity thinking to create fully traceable, value-added products that consider both social and environmental impact parameters. “Today’s consumers are becoming more and more conscious about their seafood choices. They want to know where their seafood comes from and the impact it has had on the environment and local communities. Through this BioMar-Earthworm Foundation project, our two organizations can cater to the consumers’ needs,” concluded Aarestrup.