engleski

AQUAPONICS: THE UGLY DUCKLING IN EUROPEAN ORGANIC REGULATION

Aquaponics is an integrated closed-loop multi-trophic food production system that combines elements of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and hydroponics. The present EU organic regulatory regime does not have any standards or regulations for certifying organic aquaponics. The RAS technology itself is forbidden under the present EU organic regulation, which seems to be more of a political and economic protection of the more extensive open pond systems prevalent in organic fish production rather than having anything to do with fish welfare or to secure a cleaner aquatic environment. Likewise, the hydroponic production technology in the absence of an organic growth-media, is also prohibited. With a principle-based approach, the US organic regulatory regime allows new innovative and resource productive systems to gain momentum if they can comply with the principles of organic agriculture (saving resources, lowering pollution etc). In contrast, the EU organic regulation seems to have locked themselves in a more technology-based approach hence blocking new innovative ways in organic agriculture of using existing technology solutions such as aquaponics for raising productivity, save valuable resources and in the same offer a minimum of waste.

Aquaponics, organic, forrbiden, European regulation

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