Central European RAS Chamber
Our vision . . .
. . is to be the leading professional and expert voice for the recirculating aquaculture (RAS) sector in Central Europe, and to promote sustainable, ethical and technologically advanced fish farming.
CERC's own activities focus on supporting and developing RAS farms in the Central European region, focusing on four key pillars:
standardization - legislation - education - market
OUR ACTIVITIES
The CERC Network is a strategically important project that aims to fundamentally strengthen the position of RAS aquaculture in Central Europe. By joining forces and taking a coordinated approach, it ensures the key role of the Central European region in the future of sustainable fish production in Europe.
The expert exchange program allows for direct hand-to-hand transfer of know-how, building personal contacts and networking, which is crucial for the development of the entire industry. Experience from one farm or country can be immediately applied elsewhere, leading to rapid improvement.
The CERC Quality System, with its three levels of certification, provides a clear framework for the development and recognition of quality in RAS aquaculture. It is a powerful tool for building consumer confidence, strengthening the competitiveness of members and ensuring a sustainable future for the entire sector.
CERC ACADEMY is an investment in the future of aquaculture in Central Europe. By providing top-notch education and continuously improving the qualifications of personnel, it will ensure that the region has sufficient human capital to effectively operate modern RAS farms and remain competitive in the European and global markets.
In 2020, the EU aquaculture sector reached a sales volume of 1.2 million tonnes and a turnover of €3.9 billion, directly employing around 57,000 people working for around 14,000 enterprises. Enterprises are predominantly small and family-run (STECF 22-17). 67% of EU aquaculture production is concentrated in four countries: France, Greece, Spain and Italy. More than half of the total aquaculture production volume is focused on crustaceans, while marine and freshwater fish account for around 21% and 28% of the total volume, respectively. The most farmed species are mussels, trout, oysters, sea bass, sea bass, carp and tuna.
Key services provided by CERC
LOBBYING AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT - representing interests
Active representation of the interests of the RAS sector at national level (government bodies, ministries) and at the European Union level (European Commission, European Parliament, DG MARE). This service includes monitoring legislation, participating in comment procedures, advocacy and promoting the needs of the sector in subsidy programmes (e.g. EMFAF, Horizon Europe).
Benefits for members: Ensures a favourable business environment, a level playing field, access to subsidies and legislative stability, thereby reducing risks and promoting investment.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION DEVELOPMENT (CERC Academy)
Providing comprehensive education and training programs (courses, workshops, webinars) through CERC Academy. These programs cover a wide range of topics from RAS basics to advanced techniques, management and sustainability, with the possibility of certification for graduates.
Benefits for members: Increases the professional knowledge and practical skills of staff, provides access to the latest information and innovations, and helps address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
EXCHANGE, EXPERTISE AND NETWORKING (RAS Expert Exchange Program)
Organizing a program of expert exchange (internships, mentoring, study tours) and creating a network for sharing know-how between RAS farms and experts across Central Europe. This includes facilitating the transfer of "best practices", solving specific operational problems and building a community.
Benefits for members: Allows direct learning from the best in the field, effectively solving operational challenges, gaining new perspectives and building business and professional contacts.
STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CERTIFICATION (CERC Quality)
Development, implementation and management of the CERC Quality standard with differentiated certification levels (1, 2 or 3 stars) for RAS operations. This service includes farm audits, conformity assessment and certification, which guarantees sustainable, ethical and technologically advanced fish farming.
Benefits for members: Ensures transparency of production, builds consumer confidence, differentiates members' products in the market and can enable sales at premium prices. It also serves as a benchmark for continuous improvement.
MARKETING AND SALES SUPPORT
Supporting the sales of members' products through joint marketing campaigns, promoting the CERC Quality brand, negotiating with retail chains and the Horeca sector, and communicating the benefits of RAS production to consumers and the media.
Benefit for members: Increases awareness of RAS products, strengthens their image as sustainable and quality foods, and helps members find new sales channels and strengthen their market position.
CONSULTANCY AND PROJECT SUPPORT
Providing expert advice in key areas of RAS operation (technology, finance, legislation, energy, environment) and active assistance in preparing and submitting applications for national and European subsidies. This includes an information service on subsidy opportunities and support in creating project consortia.
Benefits for members: Facilitates access to financial resources, helps optimize operations, minimize risks and ensure compliance with current regulations.
FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT CERC
What is CERC - Central European RAS Chamber?
CERC is a professional chamber of business entities operating recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and other partners (suppliers, research institutions) in the Central European region. Our goal is to represent, support and professionalize the RAS aquaculture sector.
Why was CERC established?
CERC was founded to provide a unified voice and a strong platform for the rapidly growing but fragmented RAS industry in Central Europe. We strive for effective lobbying, sharing know-how and promoting sustainable development.
Which countries does CERC cover?
CERC primarily focuses on Central European countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary and Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and others with the ambition to expand to other neighboring countries in the future.
Who can become a member of CERC?
RAS farm operators, RAS technology suppliers, research and educational institutions, consultants and other entities active in RAS aquaculture in Central Europe can become members.
What are the main benefits of CERC membership?
The main benefits include: representation of interests at national and EU level, access to exclusive information and networks, the possibility of participating in the CERC Academy and the RAS Expert Exchange Program, support in obtaining subsidies, sharing know-how and joint marketing.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CERC Network
What is CERC Network?
CERC Network is a specific CERC project aiming to create a strong Central European platform for RAS aquaculture that is active and relevant for negotiations with the European Union institutions in Brussels.
Why is it important to have a "Brussels-relevant" platform?
Brussels is the place where decisions are made on subsidy programs (e.g. EMFAF), legislation and strategies for aquaculture in the EU. A unified voice and coordinated approach from Central Europe is key to advancing our interests and gaining support.
How will CERC Network help members?
CERC Network will help members: obtain information about EU subsidies and legislation, participate in shaping European policy, find international partners for projects and share "best practices" at a transnational level.
Does CERC Network cooperate with other European organizations?
Yes, CERC Network actively seeks partnerships and cooperation with key European aquaculture organizations, such as the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), and with national associations in Germany, Austria, Poland, etc.no,
QUESTIONS ABOUT CERC QUALITY
What is CERC Quality?
CERC Quality is a quality standard and certification system for RAS operations in Central Europe. It serves to verify and guarantee that fish are farmed in a sustainable, ethical and technologically advanced manner.
Why do we need a quality standard like CERC Quality?
CERC Quality builds consumer confidence, differentiates our products in the marketplace, promotes sustainable practices, professionalizes the industry, and helps members meet criteria for subsidies and investments.
What are the CERC Quality certification levels?
CERC Quality has three levels, symbolized by stars:
★ (One Star): Basic compliance with legislation and good practice.
★★ (Two Stars): Advanced sustainability and efficiency, beyond legislation.
★★★ (Three Stars): Innovative excellence and sustainability leaders, cutting-edge technologies and a proactive approach.
How does the certification process work?
The process includes an audit of farm operations, verification of documentation, compliance with defined criteria for a given level, and regular recertification. The detailed procedure will be specified in the methodology.
How will CERC Quality benefit consumers?
Consumers will receive a clear guarantee that fish marked with the CERC Quality logo come from proven, sustainable, local and ethical farms, allowing them to make more informed choices.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RAS EXPERT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
What is the RAS Expert Exchange Program?
The RAS Expert Exchange Program is a CERC program that enables the exchange of practical experience, know-how and experts between RAS farms and institutions in the Central European region.
Why is the expert exchange program important?
The program addresses the shortage of qualified professionals, accelerates the spread of innovations, helps solve specific operational problems, and increases the overall level of expertise in the RAS sector.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is intended for operators, technologists, managers, researchers, veterinarians and other experts from RAS member farms and organizations.
What forms of exchange does the program offer?
The program offers various forms, such as short and medium-term internships on host farms, on-site workshops, mentoring, and ad-hoc teams to address specific challenges.
What are the main benefits of participating in the program?
Participants will gain practical experience, new skills, solutions to their operational challenges, establish valuable contacts with colleagues and contribute to the development of the entire RAS industry.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CERC ACADEMY
What is CERC Academy?
CERC Academy is CERC's educational platform that provides comprehensive and practically oriented training courses and programs for all levels of RAS farm staff and management.
Why is continuing education so important in RAS?
RAS is a technologically demanding and rapidly evolving field. Continuous education ensures operational efficiency, optimizes fish health, enables the implementation of innovations and keeps farms competitive.
What types of courses does CERC Academy offer?
It offers basic courses for beginners, advanced courses for experienced specialists, and specialized workshops on current topics such as biofiltration, water management, energy, or fish health.
Does CERC Academy provide any certifications?
Yes, CERC Academy plans to implement a certification system for graduates of its programs, which will confirm their acquired knowledge and skills and increase their professional value.
How does CERC Academy collaborate with practice and research?
The Academy combines academic knowledge with practical farm experience (often in collaboration with the RAS Expert Exchange Program) and involves top experts in the field in teaching.