EUROPE

European Shellfish Producers call to integrate mussel and oyster farming into EU food and maritime policies

Brussels, 20 October 2025 | The messaging was that the sector is ready to scale, but needs policy recognition, regulatory clarity and strategic support

mollusc farming conference europe

At a high-level conference held at the European Molluscs Producers’ Association (EMPA) in the European Parliament, shellfish-farmers and policymakers issued a strong plea to EU institutions to formally integrate mussel and oyster production into the bloc’s food, maritime and aquaculture strategies. The event, chaired by Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, Vice-President of the Fisheries Committee, aimed to highlight how the sector can contribute to sustainable food systems, coastal jobs and marine ecosystem services.

During the meeting, EMPA President Addy Risseeuw called on EU leaders to recognize shellfish as a cornerstone of sustainable diets and blue-economy growth. “Give shellfish producers a chance, and they’ll give Europe cleaner seas, better jobs and healthier food,” he said.

He underlined the sector’s capacity to deliver nutritious protein locally, strengthen food autonomy, and contribute to climate resilience through low-impact, regenerative aquaculture.

Raphaëla Le Gouvello, IUCN expert and founder of RespectOcean, described mollusc farming as an “ocean-positive” activity that aligns with the newly adopted definition of the Regenerative Blue Economy by the IUCN World Conservation Congress. According to her, shellfish farming not only provides healthy food with low carbon emissions but also contributes to the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.

The conference featured a debate moderated by MEP Yon-Courtin with the participation of Lorella de la Cruz, Head of the Aquaculture Team at DG Mare, Lorenzo Gennari, President of the European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP), and MEPs Paulo do Nascimento Cabral and Nicolás González Casares. Discussion focused on the need to include shellfish farming in the European Commission’s upcoming Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040, positioning moluscs as a central pillar of sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

Closing the event, MEP Yon-Courtin reaffirmed the EU’s responsibility to give aquaculture, and particularly shellfish farming, a rightful place in the bloc’s future food strategies. “Tonight’s debate showed how shellfish farming can be at the heart of Europe’s sustainable and resilient food system and contribute to the development of our coastal regions. The sector, its professionals and their products must not be left behind,” she said.

The call from Brussels was that Europe’s shellfish farmers stand ready to help build a greener, more sustainable and resilient food system for 2040 and beyond. Their message to policymakers is that mussel and oyster farming are not just economic activities but essential allies in Europe’s path toward cleaner seas, healthier diets and stronger coastal communities.

The conference worked to place molluscs as the heart of the EU’s “Food of the Future: Shellfish Vision 2040” framework.

Expert noted that shellfish-farming offers multiple benefits: low-impact production, local nutritious protein, support for coastal communities, and positive environmental services, for example, water filtration and habitat creation.