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The Improver Programme by ASC
By 2030, global markets will only demand around 20% seafood to be responsibly produced – so how do the others make a positive impact?
At ASC, we see the power in small changes as well as big ones. We already drive and support improvements in seafood farming at scale across the world through our certification programme, and now we want to support farmers making a positive impact on the farming that is not certified. The Improver Programme by ASC supports farms who are not ready or eligible for ASC certification but are committed to improving their farming practices through an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP).
We recognise the opportunity in the total impact of all of these smaller changes so that even in non-certified farming every small improvement takes us closer to our goal of transforming seafood farming, as a whole, for the future. After a successful pilot phase, the Improver Programme by ASC is now fully operational and interested in hearing from shrimp farms across the world who would like to make a positive impact.
How does the Improver Programme by ASC work?
Through our specially designed tools and systems, ‘improving farms’ belong to an AIP (an Aquaculture Improvement Project) in the programme.
ASC defines what a credible AIP is in terms of frameworks and requirements, and supports these projects (in addition to other activities).
Farms in the programme have a clear framework with timebound targets in key areas to improve their performance, supported by the expertise of a local Implementer who is trained and qualified by ASC.
There are two routes that farms can choose when they join the programme:
On this first route, ASC uses a four-phase plan with the farm to improve performance to a level where they are ready to become ASC certified.
On this second route, ASC supports the farm to improve their practices in specific environmental or social areas, without ASC certification as the end-goal.
Who is involved?
Find out more about the roles each group plays in the Improver Programme:
ASC
ASC defines the requirements and manages the running of the Improver Programme by ASC. We also:
- Develop the database and toolsets available for producers
- Offer training and qualifications for Implementers and Verifiers (please see following sections for more information about their roles)
- Approve applications to the programme
- Review self-assessments and verification reports
- Provide guidance on assurance and claims related to AIPs
- Promote AIPs in the global marketplace
Farms in the programme
Farms in the Improver Programme by ASC are making improvements, with the support of ASC, implementers and partners. Farms in the Improver Prorgramme by ASC belong to an AIP.
Implementers
Implementers are trained and qualified by ASC to support AIPs. Implementers that meet the necessary skills and expertise specified by the Improver Programme by ASC can be selected by the AIP. They provide technical competency to support farms through their journey through the Improvement Programme by ASC and provide services including gap analysis, development of the improvement plan and regular progress reports.
Verifiers
Verifiers are trained and qualified by ASC to independently assess progress within the AIP. They confirm that the farm is meeting its improvement objectives within defined time limits. The farm’s progress is verifiedafter every AIP phase for cost-efficiency and credibility. This verification is funded by ASC.
Partners
AIPs can have a range of partners to provide further support and incentives for improvement, such as processors, suppliers, retailers, NGOs, local government or farmer organisations. Partners can play an active or a supporting role, depending on the set-up of the AIP as determined by the partners themselves when applying for the AIP. Partners within the AIP can make claims related to their role and contribution to the AIP according to the Improver Programme by ASC requirements.
Get involved!
Are you interested in getting involved in the Improver Programme and making a positive impact?
- Are you a farmer that is not ready or eligible for ASC certification but would like to improve your farming practices?
- Are you a retail partner looking to support improving farms in the Improver Programme by ASC?
- Are you a supplier looking to fulfil customer demand for ASC certified products but are facing challenges growing supply?
- Are you currently implementing an improvement project or providing support for producers and would like your efforts recognised as part of the Improver Programme by ASC?
- Are you a philanthrophic organisation looking for an opportunity to create a meaningful and measurable impact by supporting the Improver Programme by ASC?
If you are any of these groups, or if you have other queries about the Improver Programme by ASC, contact us: aipservice@asc-aqua.org