HAPO: USA is the next big market for Greek aquaculture fish

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Greek fish farming in the USA

The expansion of the promotion program of Greek fish farming in the USA, with an investment amount of €1.0m, was agreed, among other topics, during the 18th General Assembly of the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO). The financial report and actions for 2022, and the budget of 2023 (unanimously approved) were also presented, followed by the annual HAPO new year’s event which took place earlier this February, at the Divani Caravel Hotel (Athens).

The event took place with the presence of the 22 Members and executives of the Hellenic Fish Farming companies, representatives of the political leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Regional Self-Government, service agents, partners, and the commercial and journalistic departments of the Media.

Among the topics also discussed were the effects of the climate change, the future of organic aquaculture, the health of the farmed organisms in relation to the welfare standards established by HAPO, and the competition from third countries.

In the context of HAPO’s support in programs that promote the efficient operation of the sector, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and the University of the Aegean presented the AquaSafe program, a geo-information system to support precision aquaculture.

The event was prefaced by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food responsible for matters of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Simos Kedikoglou, who referred to the positive cooperation of the Ministry with HAPO and the long-term support of the Ministry with the aim of developing the sector and solving the problems faced.

A greeting on behalf of Mr. Stavros Arachovitis, former Minister of Rural Development and Food, Head of Rural Development SYRIZA, was addressed by the Director of his office, Ms. Calliope Kokkinaki. At the event was also present Ms. Katerina Batzeli, former Minister of Rural Development & Food.

In his greeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of HAPO, Mr. Apostolos Touralias, referred to the work of HAPO and the decisions of the General Assembly, with the core decision of 2023, which is to define the American market as the main development goal of the sector, thus making HAPO even more outward-looking, with measurable goals and results in both European and global markets.

As part of its CSR program, ELOPY offers the award of the flouri* to programs that support the people who suffer from the recent earthquake in Turkey. (*in Greece, tradition has it that they who win the coin in the new year’s cake, get a gift. In this case, there will be a sum donated to the aforementioned programs.)

About HAPO and “Fish from Greece”

HAPO, the main development agency of Greek fish farming, was founded in 2016 with the aim of strengthening the production and distribution of the products of its Member companies and consolidating Greek fish farming as a leading force within the Greek and international markets. Today, HAPO has 22 Members, who represent approximately 90% of domestic production and export their products to 40 countries around the world.

HAPO operates based on respect between the Members and towards the consumer, collegiality, pride in the sector and its products and in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Development and the Blue Economy.

The products of HAPO member companies carry the “Fish from Greece” certification and collective marking, which is a mark of quality for consumers. Fresh Greek farmed “Fish from Greece” fish is a tasty, safe and nutritious choice. It grows in its natural environment, in the crystal clear, transparent waters of our country, under strict European standards and is fed with fully balanced GMO-free fish feed.