Benchmark Genetics partners with Salmon Evolution

The companies entered into an agreement on collaboration on genetics, ova, product deliveries and expertise development related to salmon farming on land.

Håkon A Berg, CEO of Salmon Evolution and Geir Olav Melingen, commercial director at Benchmark Genetics.

November 10, 2020

Benchmark Genetics Norway and Salmon Evolution entered into an agreement on collaboration on genetics, ova, product deliveries and expertise development related to salmon farming on land.

“We’re building up a sustainable industrial chain with a high level of biological performance from ova to harvest-ready fish,” said Håkon A. Berg, CEO of Salmon Evolution. “Our collaboration with Benchmark Genetics will ensure a stable year-round supply of high-quality genetic products, and thereby, a steady and predictable production of salmon to the highest quality standards.”

The seven years agreement, lasting from 2020 to 2027, makes Benchmark Genetics the main supplier of ova to Salmon Evolution during this period. The contract also includes collaboration on research and development projects for breeding and land-based aquaculture.

“We’re very pleased to have signed this agreement with Salmon Evolution, which confirms our strong position as a genetics supplier to land-based fish farming worldwide,” said Geir Olav Melingen, commercial director at Benchmark Genetics. “Last year, we opened SalmoBreed Salten, the most modern and advanced land-based broodstock facility in the world. Being designed to keep the nucleus of our broodstock on land throughout its life cycle, it provides the highest standard of biosecurity in the industry. Our production model gives full control of the breeding season and puts us in a position to deliver ova according to customer orders every week of the year.”

Through its collaboration with Benchmark Genetics, Salmon Evolution will develop salmon genetics optimized for land-based farming with the emphasis on growth, robustness and properties such as fat content, color and fillet quality.

“As land-based farming doesn’t need to take into account the challenges faced in the sea, our focus will be on achieving the best possible fish health, optimal water quality and implementing strict standards of quality feed with a sustainable origin. Combined, we believe they will give our customers a first-class salmon,” said Berg.