Feeding the Future: Norway’s Role in Global Sustainable Aquaculture
Aquaculture has become one of the world’s most important growth sectors for healthy and nutritious food. FAO’s The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 (SOFIA) shows that aquaculture now accounts for more than half of global aquatic animal production – surpassing wild-capture fisheries for the first time. The sector is central to food security, trade, incomes and employment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
At the same time, further growth should proceed within nature’s carrying capacity and generate genuine value for local communities. FAO’s Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture highlight the need for sound governance, spatial planning, fish health and biosecurity, responsible resource use, climate resilience and decent jobs. Aquaculture should be developed in partnership with authorities, local communities and businesses, and be adapted to local species, environmental conditions and markets.
Norway is well positioned to contribute to this development. Building on decades of expertise and experience, Norwegian businesses, research institutions, and public authorities can contribute in areas including feed and feed ingredients, fish health, technology, digitalisation, traceability, production efficiency, financing and governance. The opportunity lies in developing solutions together with local partners that can provide more nutritious food, create more jobs and generate sustainable value throughout aquaculture value chains.
The seminar, organised by FAO, NHO and Norad, will bring together stakeholders wishing to explore a key question: How can Norwegian expertise and capital contribute to responsible global growth in aquaculture, and help turn opportunities into viable investments – in line with FAO’s goal of sustainable, inclusive and resilient aquatic food systems?
🔗 Click here to register for the event
Program
- Opening remarks – Stine Renate Håheim, State Secretary – Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Dr. Manuel Barange, Assistant Director General – Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
- Norwegian Business in Global Aquaculture: From Opportunity to Responsible Growth – Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge)
- Case studies (4x5 min)
- Tilapia: From GIFT to GenoMar – Alejandro T. Alvarez, Executive Director for Non-Salmoids – Blue Future Holding
-
- “Samaki Poa” – HowToDoAquaculture.com – Morten Bergslien, CEO – Blue Planet Academy
- Panel Discussion – “Building Aquaculture Value Chains That Work: Norwegian Solutions, Local Ownership”
- Anne Hvistendahl, Global head Seafood – DNB
- Jacob Zornu, Researcher – Norwegian Veterinary Institute
- Reinaart Pretorius, Director – NHO International Cooperation Programme
- Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge)
- Moderator: Norad
- Inspiration: “Building capacity in Lake Kariba” – Aino Olaisen, Chair of the Board – Anchor Foundation
- Closing remarks – Norad
Light meal and mingling.
Welcome!