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Improver programme
The ASC Improver Programme (IP) is designed to enhance delivery of environmental and social responsibility at the farm by bridging the gap between conventional production and certification.
Through timebound improvements and independent verification of progress, the ASC IP offers clear trajectories to legitimise aquaculture improvement projects (AIPs) with a defined framework for measuring performance and progress in a transparent and credible way.
Aquaculture Improvement Projects
Certification and aquaculture improvement projects are key tools used by markets to support and incentivise better practices in seafood farming production. Both utilise the power of the private sector to promote positive changes toward sustainability.
An aquaculture improvement project is a multi-stakeholder process that addresses the environmental and social impacts and the shared risks associated with seafood farming. As such, AIPs offer the opportunity to define an improvement pathway where the process serves to benefit the farmers. They are one tool among others in the ASC IP.
The ASC IP is in its pilot phase, collecting learnings across several AIPs dedicated to improvements in shrimp farms. The programme will be fully operational towards the end of 2023.
How the programme works
The ASC Improver Programme defines clear procedures and tools to ensure that farms operate responsibly as defined by ASC Standards.
The programme is developed for producers who are not yet ASC certified but want to show that they are improving their performance, using the tools and systems that ASC has designed to create a credible pathway for improvement. It offers an opportunity for producers to partner with like-minded organisations to build capacity on the ground, streamline assessments and information sharing, and address complex challenges and drive meaningful change.
Producers can choose two tracks for their Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP):
- AIP to ASC certification: This track is aimed at defining a plan of 4 phases to improve performance to a level where the producer is certifiable by the end of the AIP.
- AIP to Better Practices: This second track is designed to facilitate producers who wish to not become certified but want to improve responsible practices in specific environmental or social areas.
Participation in the programme is voluntary but requires adherence to strict time-bound procedures laid out in the ASC IP requirements. Participation in the ASC IP provides access to ASC trained and qualified implementers and verifiers, listed on the ASC website or registered by the AIPs. The programme offers benefits for producers, retailers, and NGOs. The ASC IP serves as a crucial tool in promoting responsible aquaculture practices for those farms that may need extra time and support to implement ASC standards effectively or make meaningful improvement steps in a credible and transparent manner.
Get involved!
If you are interested in starting an AIP or wish to apply as a partner, verifier or implementer:
Who’s involved
Under ASC’s IP, there are several roles involved in delivering successful AIPs.
ASC defines the requirements of the programme, provides support for AIPs and partners, and conducts training for implementers and verifiers.
Farmers or groups of farmers that meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the ASC IP. They are the core around which the programme is structured.
Individuals or small teams appointed by the AIP, and trained by ASC, to provide technical expertise, support, and guidance through the improvement process.
Individuals trained and appointed by ASC to provide independent verification of performance against improvement plans.
Organisations that collaborate with the ASC IP broadly to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, or with specific AIPs to support local improvements. Partners may include companies wanting to support sustainable seafood in their supply chain, NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, and others.
Meet the team
The ASC IP is managed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to promoting responsible aquaculture practices.
The Global Lead is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the ASC Improver Programme . This includes fostering partnerships and providing guidance and support to ensure the successful implementation and verification of the Programme.
ASC-IP Managers are the first points of contact to the Programme. They oversee administration of AIPs in both certification and best practice pathways to ensure that producers meet the necessary requirements, and work closely with AIP implementers and verifiers to ensure that AIPs are progressing as expected. Our Programme Managers lead and develop training for implementers and verifiers to ensure that they are equipped to support producers
The ASC Improvement Project is further supported in assurance and monitoring and evaluation.
Programme Assurance Director, Efrain Calderon
Head of Impacts, Jill Swasey
Resources
The ASC IP is continually developing and refining programme materials and will be added here as they become available.