Program Description

Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) Program

Overview:

The food safety of farm-raised (aquaculture) seafood presents a significant and growing concern in the United States. The U.S. imports about 90% of its seafood by value, with more than half originating from aquaculture operations. Products from aquaculture have been associated with certain food safety issues, such as the risk of contamination by chemical and biological agents. They are one of the most frequently refused food categories by the U.S. and other countries. Fish and fishery products account for more than 20% of all food shipment refusals each year, resulting in significant financial losses for producers and increased inspection costs. While comprehensive government inspection and certification programs seem like a reasonable approach, they require substantial resources and present significant logistical challenges given the scale of global aquaculture operations.

The necessity for aquaculture to develop in a responsible manner is well accepted and understood and has generally been incorporated into countries' regulations and certifications, where legislation exists. Aquaculture farmers are aware of the commercial importance of producing high quality products; however, small-scale and traditional fish farmers may be reluctant to make changes and resist implementing improved practices due to concerns about increased operational costs that could reduce profit margins.

The Good Aquacultural Practices (GAqP) program offers a structured approach to address these challenges. Similar to prerequisite programs and good manufacturing or hygienic practices used in food processing facilities, GAqP combines systematic procedures and protocols designed to achieve three key objectives: efficient production, consumer safety, and environmental sustainability. Since most food safety and quality issues with aquaculture products originate at the farm level, GAqP training primarily targets farms and farm operators. However, addressing aquaculture food safety requires balancing regulatory oversight, economic considerations, and industry-wide collaboration to ensure safe seafood reaches consumers. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach that encompasses the entire food chain is essential, placing responsibility for safe seafood supply on all those involved in production, processing, and trade. The most powerful incentive driving aquaculture producers toward high-quality practices is market access. Producers must comply with importing countries' regulations and maintain strong reputations with buyers to remain commercially viable. This market-driven approach may prove more effective than regulatory enforcement alone in promoting widespread adoption of safe aquaculture practices.

Program Components:

GAqP is a 5-day course incorporating multiple learning modalities.

• • Lecture and presentations - Foundational knowledge delivery
• • Problem analysis and exercise - Practical application of concepts
• • Farm visit - Real-world assessment opportunities
• • Evaluation - Knowledge and skill assessment

The on-farm visit represents a critical program component, allowing participants to evaluate local practices and develop improvement recommendations under teaching team guidance. The GAqP recommendations are designed to be globally applicable, independent of location or specific agricultural and industrial circumstances. Upon completion of the course, participants earn JIFSAN/FDA certification.

The JIFSAN GAqP Program operates on a Train-the-Trainer concept, where program graduates can subsequently take a one-day Train-the-Trainer course. This course will enable the graduates to additionally train others in Good Aquaculture Practices. This multiplier effect extends the program's reach and impact across the aquaculture industry. Train-the-Trainer Course is designed for:

• • Extension specialists and equivalent professionals
• • Individuals with aquaculture food safety education responsibilities

Upon completing the JIFSAN course, participants are expected to deliver their own in-country training programs and report their activities to JIFSAN. Future trainers receive access to the manual and materials at no charge.

Program Development and Evolution:

JIFSAN initially collaborated with Johnson Diversey Corporation and enlisted experts from academia and FDA to develop the GAqP training program. Following the pilot program in Vietnam in 2006, program materials have been continuously improved and content expanded to meet international producer needs.