Current principles and issues affecting organic carp (Cyprinus carpio) pond farming

Freshwater pond aquaculture is often characterised as a low input system, with low labour and capital input, serving mainly local markets. Globally, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is among the most important farmed species. Extensive carp aquaculture is already quasi-organic, hence the shift to certified organic farming is less demanding than for other species. Moreover, fish grown alongside carp could also be considered organic with no additional pond management or certification requirements. Nevertheless, the proportion of carp on the organic fish market remains very low. Organic carp face strong competition with its substitutes (conventional counterpart), equally promoted as ecologically or sustainably produced foodstuff. Further challenges include shortage of organic juveniles for stocking purposes, organic feed, differentiation from non-organic carp, lack of cooperation on technical issues and marketing and the additional costs of certification. To make organic carp production profitable, sale prices have to be significantly higher than the current prices for conventional carp. As such, financial incentives are needed for organic aquaculture, similar to the direct payments presently common in organic agriculture. Organic carp culture requires support from aquaculture professionals and certifying institutions to improve processing, marketing and cooperation among farms. Despite good long-term prospects, current consumption of organic carp is on the wane; hence, promotion and marketing are needed regarding processed products and perceptions of flavour, fat and bone content emphasizing the aspects of human health importance and sustainability of production.