Skretting partners with Chilean Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) to generate new plant-based salmon diets high in proteins and fatty acids. The initiative arises in response to the demand of the salmon industry for a replacement of fishmeal and fish oil with plant-based raw materials, which would mean an opportunity for the Chilean agricultural sector.

In this regard, the INIA’s National Coordinator of the Food Program, María Teresa Pino, said that “salmon farming requires a high number of hectares to produce plant-based ingredients, therefore, it is a great opportunity for our sector and specially for specific items such as grains. It is estimated that by 2020, requirements in raw materials will increase a 30%, so we would be significantly boosting the national agricultural sector.”

The work plan was developed between INIA, Skretting and other stakeholders of the salmon industry throughout the country with the aim of validate the substitution of marine fishmeal and fish oil with Chilean vegetable raw materials. At the moment, a significant percentage of the plant-based ingredients used in Chile are imported.

Juan Gutiérrez, Skretting ARC Manager, said that “we see very interesting opportunities in ​​starches, protein concentrates and also in vegetable oils. Today more than ever, it is necessary to promote the use of alternative raw materials rather than those of marine animal origin, since these will not only be scarcer and more expensive, but also are not in the line of sustainability of our industry."