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CERC QUALITY

The CERC Quality system, with its three levels of certification, will provide a clear framework for the development and recognition of quality in RAS aquaculture in Central Europe. It will be a powerful tool for building consumer confidence, strengthening the competitiveness of members and ensuring a sustainable future for the entire sector.

Reasons for Defining Quality in RAS Aquaculture (CERC Quality)

The effort to define and certify quality in RAS aquaculture through CERC Quality is based on several key factors and brings significant benefits to the entire sector, consumers and the environment:

Growing consumer confidence:

  1. Guarantee and trust: CERC Quality certification will provide consumers with a clear guarantee that they are buying fish from proven, sustainable and safe farms, which builds loyalty and a premium position in the market.

  2. The need for transparency: Modern consumers demand to know the origin, farming method and the ethics of production of their food. RAS, as a new technology, needs to clearly communicate its benefits.

Differentiation in the market:

  1. Competitive advantage: Certification will allow RAS farms in Central Europe to differentiate themselves from less sustainable or less transparent farms, whether local or imported. This supports sales and allows for higher prices for a quality product.

  2. Clear communication: The CERC Quality logo will become a quick and easy-to-understand symbol for retail partners and end consumers.

Professionalization and Standardization of the industry:

  1. Setting standards: Defining standards leads to the professionalization of the entire industry, providing farms with clear parameters for operation and continuous improvement.

  2. Sharing Best Practice: The CERC Quality criteria are based on the best available practices and technologies, which will help to spread know-how and increase efficiency across the membership base.

Environmental responsibility:

  1. Sustainability: The standards will explicitly include criteria for water and energy consumption, waste management and pollution prevention, confirming RAS as an environmentally friendly farm.

  2. Fish welfare: Defining standards for fish welfare (stocking density, water quality, stress management) will ensure an ethical approach to farming.

Easier access to financing:

Credibility for investors and donors: Certified farms are more attractive to banks and investors, and at the same time better meet the criteria for obtaining subsidies from EU funds (e.g. EMFAF), which often require environmental certification.

Preparation for future regulations:

By proactively implementing standards, the sector is better prepared for possible future regulations in the field of aquaculture and sustainability.

Three levels of quality certification of RAS operations (1, 2, 3 stars)

The three-level system of CERC Quality certification allows for a differentiated approach that rewards basic compliance with RAS principles as well as excellence and top-notch sustainability. This system is inspired by similar assessments in other sectors (e.g. hotels, restaurants, energy efficiency of buildings) and is understandable to the public.

CERC Quality ★ – "Basic compliance and good practice"

What it means: The "one star" certification confirms that the RAS farm meets all the basic legal and ethical requirements of national and European Union legislation for aquaculture and food production. It adheres to the RAS principles in the area of ​​basic filtration, hygiene and fish welfare.

Criteria:

  • Compliance with minimum legislative requirements (veterinary, hygienic, environmental).
  • Established procedures for monitoring water quality.
  • Basic records of fish feeding and growth.
  • Compliance with waste management regulations.
  • Use of feed from legal and sustainable sources.
  • Established emergency plan system.

For whom: For all RAS farms that want to transparently demonstrate their compliance with legislation and implement the basic principles of sustainable operation.

CERC Quality ★★ – "Advanced sustainability and efficiency" 

What it means: Two-star certification indicates that the farm not only meets the basic requirements, but also goes beyond the legislation and actively focuses on advanced sustainability, process optimization and energy efficiency. It demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental responsibility.

Criteria:

  • Above-standard environmental management (e.g. waste heat recycling, energy efficiency reduction).
  • Implementation of strategies to minimize water consumption below the legislative limit.
  • Advanced monitoring and automation systems to optimize the breeding environment.
  • Proactive fish health management (e.g. prevention without the use of antibiotics).
  • Established procedures for recycling or reusing fish sludge.
  • Demonstrable improvement in operational indicators (e.g. FCR - feed conversion ratio).

For whom: For farms that have already invested in advanced technologies, are systematically optimizing their operations and want to be recognized for their efforts to achieve higher levels of sustainability and efficiency.

CERC Quality ★★★ – "Innovative excellence and sustainability leaders" 

What it means: The "three star" certification is a recognition of the highest level of excellence, innovation and sustainability in the operation of RAS. These farms are leaders in their field, apply cutting-edge technologies, invest in research and development and serve as a benchmark for the entire industry. Their products represent premium quality with the lowest possible ecological footprint.

Criteria:

  • Integration of renewable energy sources to cover a significant part of the operation.
  • Advanced systems for obtaining and using by-products (e.g. processing sludge into fertilizer, recycling nutrients).
  • Active involvement in research and development projects in collaboration with academic partners.
  • Demonstrated innovations in technology, feed or management that bring significant benefits.
  • Excellent fish welfare indicators and zero or minimal use of pharmaceuticals.
  • Transparent reporting of carbon and water footprint of production.
  • Open demonstration and sharing of innovative practices with other CERC members.

For whom: For the most progressive and innovative RAS farms that want to be recognized as the absolute top in the industry and serve as a role model for others.