GeoSalmo’s Post

Kjartan Olafsson chair of IAOF wrote an article published on Visir on the Opportunities in Marine-Related Activities in Iceland, english below. The main goal of Iceland Aquaculture and Ocean Forum (IAOF)  is to discuss the numerous economic opportunities in marine-related activities in Iceland. Aquaculture has seen significant growth in Iceland over the past decade, becoming a major industry in regions where it is practiced. Numerous valuable new year-round jobs have been created in areas previously considered "vulnerable communities." The export value of aquaculture products has already reached about 8.4% of goods exports in the first months of this year. If current trends continue, aquaculture will become a thriving industry in Iceland, whether the production involves salmon, char, trout, goldfish, wolffish, or cod, not to mention seaweed and algae. Increase in Production and Technological Advancements Recent figures show that aquaculture production has increased by more than 200% over the past decade, reflecting the significant growth experienced by the industry. At the same time, advancements in feed and farming systems have made production more efficient and sustainable, contributing to greater profitability and reduced environmental impact. Platform for Strategic Planning IAOF is intended as a platform for producers and stakeholders working broadly in the "blue fields" of valuable seafood production to discuss the many strategic issues affecting the industry. Whether considering sea cages, land-based farming, or open ocean farming, it is clear that the upcoming tasks are extensive. Looking at further value addition in product processing, market access, or transportation routes, access to energy, or the interplay of a robust domestic fishmeal and fish oil industry with feed production for aquaculture, it is clear that there are significant opportunities for infrastructure development. Collaboration and Sustainable Resource Utilization Collaboration with government and other stakeholders is crucial to ensure that a clear legal framework and processes for planning and utilization will be developed in the coming years. This includes improving environmental standards and promoting the sustainable use of resources. International Goals for Increased Aquaculture Recently, a total of 158 United Nations member countries signed the COP28 declaration, stating the need to increase aquaculture for food production by 75% to meet the growing food demand. Aquaculture in the blue fields provides an opportunity to meet this need while simultaneously reducing industrial pressure on land. It is important to develop a clear legal framework and processes for planning and utilization in the coming years. https://lnkd.in/gsz9QvME

📊 Recent figures from Statistics Iceland indicate a strong upward trend in the aquaculture sector. For the first eleven months of the year, the export value of aquaculture products has reached 47.9 billion ISK, reflecting a remarkable 12.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Looking ahead to 2024, projections suggest that the export value will surpass 50 billion ISK for the first time. Salmon farming continues to dominate the segment, with an expected production of approximately 55,000 tons from sea farming next year. Additionally, significant growth in land-based aquaculture is anticipated, setting the stage for a record-breaking year ahead. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gxGH6N7N #Aquaculture #EconomicGrowth #Iceland

My boss and good friend Guðrún Arndís Jónsdóttir´s report has just been published, which she composed for the Matvælaráðuneytið MAR (Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries). The report, titled; Lagareldi, mannauður og menntun (Aquaculture, Human Resources, and Education), provides an overview of the current situation in human resources and education within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Iceland. Guðrún discusses the evolving challenges and opportunities in these fields, emphasising the importance of continuous collaboration and adaptation to maintain Iceland's sustainable growth within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. In step with these suggestions, myself and Guðrún participate in, and run, collaborative projects such as the EU-funded BRIDGES, and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Schools for Youngsters, through the Fisheries Science Centre of Háskólinn á Akureyri (SHA). The primary goal of the BRIDGES project is to strengthen ties between education and industry across Europe within finfish aquaculture. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Schools for Youngsters play a huge role in inspiring the next generation and providing an avenue for sustainable recruitment. I cannot stress enough how important reports such as Guðrúns, and initiatives such as Bridges and the Schools for Youngsters are for fostering collaboration between educational institutions and the fisheries and aquaculture industries, to ensure that education programmes are aligned with industry needs now and in the future! 📖 Read the report here:

Mylabris pustulata (Blister Beetle) in Your Natural Farm: Key Takeaways Mylabris pustulata, or blister beetles, are common agricultural pests that can cause significant damage to crops. Here are some key takeaways for natural farmers dealing with these insects: Understanding the Threat Damage: Blister beetles feed on leaves, flowers, and pods of various plants. Heavy infestations can lead to reduced yields and plant death. Toxicity: These beetles produce cantharidin, a toxic substance that can cause skin irritation, blistering, and even internal damage if ingested. Crop Preferences: Blister beetles often target crops like potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and alfalfa. Natural Farming Strategies Crop Rotation: Rotating crops can disrupt the life cycle of blister beetles and prevent heavy infestations. Companion Planting: Certain plants, like marigolds or garlic, can repel blister beetles. Physical Control: Handpicking or using traps can be effective for small infestations. Beneficial Insects: Encourage natural predators like birds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on blister beetles. Cultural Practices: Maintain good field hygiene, avoid over-fertilization, and provide adequate irrigation to promote healthy plant growth. Precautions for Farmers Personal Safety: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling blister beetles. Avoid Ingestion: Never eat or consume any part of a plant that may have been infested with blister beetles. Proper Disposal: If you need to dispose of dead or captured beetles, do so carefully to avoid contact with their toxic secretions. Remember: While blister beetles can be a nuisance, they are a natural part of the agricultural ecosystem. By implementing sustainable and natural farming practices, you can manage their populations effectively without resorting to harmful chemicals. Would you like to know more about specific natural pest control methods or other agricultural challenges? https://lnkd.in/gH7DPm-a

One of the biggest achievements of Sustinere's environmental experts in the past year is the development of a tool for assessing the climate impact of agricultural enterprises, which was completed this spring. The model, developed at the request of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, helps all Estonian crop and livestock farmers to assess their carbon footprint for both organization and product levels, free of charge. Agriculture and food production are sectors with significant environmental impact, and we are particularly pleased to contribute our agricultural expertise and experience to assist this sector. Raising awareness of their environmental impact is one of the crucial first steps on the journey to making food systems more sustainable. The tool allows for experimentation and exploration of various ways in which changing certain inputs or practices can affect carbon footprints or even carbon sequestration for crop growers. We hope that through this model, crop and livestock farmers will significantly enhance the competitiveness of their products in the market, and collectively, we will reduce the climate impact of the entire sector while ensuring food security and quality. If you are a farmer and need recommendations or assistance in using the tool, please write to info@sustinere.ee - our environmental experts in the agriculture and food industry are here to help. https://lnkd.in/d4p_NsJ6

https://lnkd.in/gs2BZxDt Doing what I love most. #Dairyfarming #Consultancy #atlantislifescience Agriculture is the backbone of our economy.

Some cool news from Rural Aquaculture Development Global!    Support from our Research and Development Fund is helping the company address a hot issue for smallholder farmers in Uganda: transporting perishable products such as fish, meat and dairy.     By developing a low-cost, low-carbon refrigerated cooling box, Rural Aquaculture Development Global is helping to extend the shelf-life of fish, reduce food waste, improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities in off- and weak-grid areas.    Watch the company’s latest video to learn more:   https://lnkd.in/etCzeTwW    #CleanEnergyAccess  #Agritech  #SustainableFarming  #SustainableCooling    Transforming Energy Access IKEA Foundation  

Interesting how Amsoil benefits the folks in the agricultural business every day by helping them to keep their machines running dependably and keeping their costs down at the same time in doing so.

🎉 We are pleased to announce we are working in partnership with UK Aid and the Ikea Foundation as part of the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund. 👉 This project aims to address the challenges of transporting perishable goods, such as fish, meat, and dairy, in East Africa. 🤝 Rural Aquaculture Development will be working closely with a number of partners, including Think Aqua, Dulotrop Cooling Services, and Aston University, to develop a new type of insulated box that can keep perishable goods cold for longer. We are excited to see where this research leads and how it will impact smallholder farmers in East Africa. ThinkAqua Danish Dulo Aston University Efficiency for Access https://lnkd.in/eH-GiQV3