AQUA-VLAN 2

Closed

Nowadays, more than half of the aquatic products we consume come from aquaculture. European agriculture is stagnating and in the border region, too, small and medium-sized companies struggle to remain competitive and distinguish themselves internationally in the production, processing and trade of a range of high-quality niche products. Consequently, there is a great need for innovation in the production processes and in achieving sustainable fish farming. The first edition of ‘AQUA-VLAN’, from Interreg IV, experienced success in the sustainable farming of the much-praised omega perch and the optimised cultivation of saline vegetables, such as samphire. Moreover, important research infrastructure was put into place with the Zeeland University of Applied Sciences' Sealab, and greenhouse farming was combined with fish farming to create a closed loop system. Under the direction of Inagro, ‘AQUA-VLAN 2’ continues to build on these foundations for a strong, economically, socially and ecologically sustainable aquaculture sector. Furthermore, it specifically focuses on supporting companies in the challenges posed by this technical innovation. First and foremost, specific preconditions for expanding the aquaculture sector, such as legislation, will be examined. Secondly, the further combination of fish and greenhouse vegetables (closed loop system) in fresh and saltwater aquaculture will be investigated. Farming freshwater fish in recirculation systems and sodium problems in plants in greenhouse agriculture will be looked at, for example. In addition, the production of innovative fish feed is being investigated to further optimise the closed loop. Businesses can also use vouchers to commission company-specific studies in aquaculture.

Medium