On 8 March 2019, Kamuthanga Farm, a tilapia farm in Machakos, Kenya, has been awarded the EcoMark Africa (EMA) label as the first ever fish farm in Africa, after undergoing a three day auditing session in October 2018. The certification process was guided by Frans Aartsen MSc from Holland Aqua, who guided the farm towards EMA certification at platinum level, the highest of 4 certification levels.
After preparing and training the farm’s management and employees in order to meet the 200 EMA bullet point standards, Holland Aqua and the auditing team went through all the aquacultural, environmental, social and economic aspects of the fish farm, that produces 100 tons of tilapia per year. The quality assurance team of Kamuthanga showed the auditing team how all aspects of the EMA standard are monitored and secured. Not only were standard requirements for the environment met, all staff members benefit from the implementation of health & safety standards and improved employment conditions.
The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) has launched EcoMark Africa (EMA) as a continental certification system, designed to enhance access for African products to international markets. EMA is comparable to the requirements of the global ASC certification scheme. EMA’s overall aim is to contribute to a global shift towards sustainable consumption and production and thus enhance Africa’s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. With regard to aquaculture, the EMA label aims to reduce the impact of fish farming on the environment; it contains standards regarding medicine use, sustainable fish feed and good working conditions for staff.
The platinum EMA label awarded to the Kamuthanga Farm guarantees that their tilapia has been produced in a sustainable manner, incorporating social and environmental aspects in the production processes. The certification event took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 8 March 2019 and was attended by Mr. Anthony Ndeto, CEO of Kamuthanga Farm, as well as representatives of various National Standards Bodies in Africa.
Holland Aqua implements quality management systems and coordinates internal and external audits and certification processes throughout the aquaculture supply chain. Please contact us if you have any questions.
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