This piece authored by Dr Brett Glencross, was published in International Aquafeed, September 2025

In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing food insecurity, the sustainability of the entire food system has come under intense scrutiny. One often overlooked yet critical component of that system is animal feed. Behind every steak, egg, and glass of milk is a vast and complex supply chain, a large portion of which revolves around how we feed animals, and fish farming is now different in this regard. Certification systems for animal feed are emerging as vital tools in ensuring these supply chains meet environmental, ethical, and safety standards. As global demand for animal protein rises, the pressure on feed supply chains will only grow. If we do not ensure sustainable sourcing and responsible practices now, the long-term consequences will be severe. This is where certification systems come in.

So, what actually are Certification Systems? Certification systems set out standards and practices for producers, processors, and suppliers to follow. These standards are set based on a range of criteria and with inputs from key stakeholders in the supply-chain (e.g., producers, processors, retailers, and NGOs). The standards are then verified by independent third-party auditors. In the context of feed, certifications can be used to address a range of issues: such as responsible sourcing of raw materials, reduced environmental impact, fair labour practices, and so on. Well-known examples in the aquaculture space include the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). While some of these certifications have parts of their standards focusing on feed, and other certifications are almost entirely focussed on feed ingredients, like those of MarinTrust, and Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS).

One of the biggest challenges in the feed industry is traceability. Many feed ingredients, especially soy and palm oil, come from regions with high risks of deforestation and social conflict. These commodities often pass through complex international supply chains before reaching a feed mill. Certification systems offer a structured way to trace these ingredients back to their source, ensuring they meet defined sustainability criteria. This traceability brings accountability. Without independent verification, claims of "sustainable" or "deforestation-free" are easy to make and difficult to prove. Certification systems help close that gap. They provide consumers, regulators, and supply chain partners with confidence that sustainability commitments are not just marketing hype but backed by some level of transparency and independent assessment.

While some might see certification is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is a mechanism for helping to drive continuous improvement. Many certification schemes include tiered performance levels or require periodic re-auditing. This creates a structured path for feed producers to progressively adopt better practices. It also encourages innovation, as companies compete to meet evolving standards and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. By aggregating data from certified operations, these systems can also identify common challenges and opportunities for sector-wide improvements.

In an increasingly sustainability-conscious marketplace, certification can open doors. Retailers and food suppliers are under pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers to ensure their products are sustainable throughout their supply chain. Many now require certified feed inputs in their supply chains, particularly for ingredients perceived as high-risk like soy or marine ingredients. Certification thus becomes a passport to market access, particularly in Europe and North America. In addition, certified products are now commanding price premiums in the marketplace. This provides a clear financial incentive for feed producers to invest in sustainable practices, creating a virtuous cycle where sustainability and profitability reinforce each other.

Certification systems, however, are not without their limitations; cost barriers for smallholders, inconsistent auditing, or limited coverage of key sustainability issues. Many of these concerns are valid and warrant serious attention. However, the solution is not to discard certification altogether, but to improve it. Innovations such as remote sensing, and blockchain-based traceability can help address some of these shortcomings. Stakeholders need to work collaboratively to raise the bar, ensuring inclusivity, and increasing transparency in certification systems. Abandoning certification entirely would be akin to throwing away the compass because the journey is hard. The future of global food security—depends heavily on the sustainability of feed. Certification systems are not a silver bullet, but they are an indispensable part of the solution. They offer structure in a fragmented industry, promote best practices, and provide the transparency needed to build trust. Certification systems provide the tools, standards, and accountability mechanisms needed to drive that transformation.