New paper analyses European consumers’ attitude towards aquaponic products
Friday February 24, 2017
The COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action FA1305 “The EU Aquaponics Hub —Realising Sustainable Integrated Fish and Vegetable Production for the EU” recently published a paper which provides a wide overview of the state of the art of aquaponics production in the EU.
The paper acknowledges that until now aquaponics research has been mainly focused on the technical issue related to production more than on marketing and commercialisation. However, as an increasing number of aquaponics companies are active in Europe, a clear institutional framework for the production and commercialisation of aquaponic products is urgently needed. Indeed, the paper highlights the negative impact that the lack of legislative framework and standardisation for integrated production systems has on the young European aquaponics sector.
Moreover, a survey was conducted among potential consumers to investigate their perception of aquaponics. The survey discovered that around 17% of the respondents would look for aquaponically grown vegetables and 38% of them would look for aquaponically farmed fish over conventionally farmed ones. Moreover, consumers willing to buy aquaponic vegetables would be disposed to pay them maximum 40% more than conventional ones and 23% would be willing to pay more for aquaponic fish.
Finally, the paper stresses the need for implementing holistic approaches involving all actors working with aquaponics in order to establish a marketing plan and common communication strategies.
