Seafood Task Force Unites Thai Shrimp Industry To Drive Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing Practices
[BANGKOK, APRIL 2024] - The Seafood Task Force (STF) has recently hosted a meeting with stakeholders from the Thai shrimp industry in Bangkok. They convened to analyse recent findings from last October’s STF Shrimp Supply Chain Summit, in order to implement socially sustainable and responsible practices within the industry.
The gathering, held at Crowne Plaza Lumpini, Bangkok, brought together representatives from Asian Sea Corporation, Asian Feed Mill, CPF, CPF Feed Mill, Grobest, Marine Gold Products, Seafresh, Thai Royal Frozen Food, TRF Feed Mill, Thai Union Group, and Thai Union Feedmill. Discussions focused on how collective efforts could enhance the sustainability and ethical standards within the seafood industry in Thailand, with a strong focus on improving accountability across the supply chain.
Shrimp Supply Chain Members Meeting
Review of Assessments: The group went over the key issues that arose from recent assessments of the Thai shrimp supply chain. They discussed remediation programs being currently set up by the Seafood Task Force to fix these problems. The review highlighted areas needing urgent attention and joint efforts going forward.
Progress on Remediation: The STF Leadership Team shared success stories and updates on putting their agreed remediation programs into action. Thus demonstrating the group's commitment to improvement, as well as highlighting how working together has improved sustainability and ethical practices in Thailand's shrimp industry. The meeting reminded everyone that ongoing collaboration across the supply chain is crucial for tackling challenges together.
Rolling Out a Common Data Platform
The STF’s Leadership Team also invited the attendees to adopt its data platform, which is designed to make it easier for supply chain owners to use input their own data along with analysing assessment data in their respective supply chains. The platform, which is available to all member companies, empowers stakeholders to streamline their assessment data and management processes. The platform and its user interface were given a first-hand demonstration to attendees, along with its analytics tools and its potential to speed up positive change within the industry by promoting data-guided practices.
Success of Second Auditor Training Program
Another milestone was celebrated with the successful execution of the STF’s second auditor training program in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. The program attracted participants from various auditing firms from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
Key Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: Participating auditors underwent an intensive training curriculum that involved lectures and workshops: covering the STF codes, best practices, and methodologies for conducting effective assessments in the seafood supply chain.
Industry Expertise:
Experts in social auditing and supply chain tracking led the training sessions. They gave real-life examples to help participants understand how to improve operations in their fishing businesses.
As the Thai shrimp industry progresses on its path towards responsible practices and environmental sustainability, these industry-wide and multi-sectoral, collaborative efforts are a testament to the STF’s members’ collective commitment to continuous improvement. The STF remains a driving force in ensuring future seafood is sourced responsibly and ethically, from vessel to plate.
Ron Gutierrez, 12 March 2024