The international exhibition-conference event, Aquafarm 2024, dedicated to aquaculture and sustainable fishing industry organised in collaboration with API, the Italian Fish Farmers Association and AMA, the Mediterranean Aquaculturists Association has been held from 14-15 February 2024 at Pordenone, Italy. As always, the exhibitions showcased latest innovation with in the industry and visitors from all over the world turned up to witness the latest industry trends.
International Aquafeed was fortunate to be of attendance. We had the pleasure to meet with numerous companies including Faivre, Vetagro, Aller Aqua, Necton, Pt Aqua etc. Our Content Development Manager, Costa Skotidas, had the opportunity to chair one of the sessions and we proud to have contributed to this industry shaping event.
Dedicated sessions
Today the aquaculture sector is universally recognised as a rapidly growing essential sector. However, its importance is accompanied by inherent challenges due to the number of influencing factors: technical, biological, environmental, economic and even social. Recognising the need for continuous innovation, particularly in production processes, the session dedicated to technological innovation in farming talked about new technologies capable of optimizing the entire supply chain. Another session also talked about how artificial intelligence and data analysis play a fundamental role in improving efficiency and decision-making in the aquaculture sector.
We met Nuno Medina from Aquasoja who shared his insights on the show with us, “Italy is a very interesting market, it has always been. Italy has an importance in the area – it is close to markets like Croatia, Slovenia, North of Africa.”
“So when we participate this event, it is to address this kind of market. And to communicate the solutions that we have. “
At AquaFarm researchers and innovators presented projects that have the important aim of making the sector more sustainable through the optimisation and improvement of primary resources and ingredients.
Research has always been the best ally for looking to the future. In the conference dedicated to technologies and trends in research, researchers and experts from all over the world presented the latest news relating to animal welfare throughout the entire breeding cycle, the use of fish skin in medical therapies, new methods for selection and much more.
Networking at its best
We got to meet many companies who shared their Aquafarm experience with us.
CEO of Ittinsect shared, “We are exhibiting today our protein meal, which we call ‘beyond fish meal’. It is a protein that replicates the nutritional profile of fishmeal. We’re trying to meet fish farmers from Italy. And so, it’s really an event where we can socialise to increase our business. We have already met quite a few clients. The reason why we’re here is mainly to improve quantities of feed sold to each client.”
Head of Development at More Fish commented, “This is the first time we are attending Aquafarm. And the European aquaculture is very interesting for us. The fish farms maybe not technological advanced compared to Norway. But I think we can help increase the productivity and also spread some knowledge. This fair is a very nice place to be as there is a lot companies that are new to us and we have met some very nice people.”
Business Development Manager for Necton said, “This is an amazing place to not only nurture relationships that you already have with the industry, but it’s also a good place to form new relationships. And it’s a great way to feel the pulse of the market, especially for the younger folks or industry in the Italian market. We have some true power, our aquaculture powerhouses is always present here, so it’s a great place to visit.”
Fabrizio Caruso from Vetagro detailed, “we are here and the main goal is to make ourselves known as much as possible, to as much people as we as we can and to show them what we can do. And we are very happy to see that Aquafarm looks amazing as every year.”
AquaFarm is an international exhibition-conference on aquaculture and the sustainable fishing industry, organized by Pordenone Fiere in collaboration with API, the Italian Fish Farmers Association. AMA, Mediterranean Aquaculture Association, and with Studio Comelli – Conferences&Communication, which looks after the contents of the conferences and the press office.
