Prairie AquaTech has received verification to sell its plant-based aquafeed in Europe.
The Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A.-based manufacturer of animal feed ingredients developed the non-GMO soybean meal as a high-performance protein ingredient specifically for aquaculture feed. It uses a microbial enhancement process to increase the protein content of the feed – a process that was developed at South Dakota State University. The feed is produced at Prairie AquaTech’s 45,000-square-foot facility, which is capable of producing up to 30,000 tons of ME-PRO annually.
In a 16 October press release, the company said European Union authorities “determined ME-PRO can be marketed as a feed material.”
“ME-PRO is ready for Europe!” Angelo Lauwaerts, an animal nutrition expert with nutrition consulting firm Salka Valka BV, said. “ME-PRO satisfies supporting documentation according to FSP (GMP+) and FEFANA.”
Besides its 70 percent protein content, ME-PRO produces a reduction in phosphorus discharge in water due to fish waste and is guaranteed to be GMO-free, according to Prairie AquaTech CEO Mark Luecke. The feed is suitable for all species of fish and shrimp, he said.
“ME-PRO is important for the European aquaculture industry,” Luecke said in the release. “The vision for developing ME-PRO was built upon three fundamental values that apply to successful feed ingredients: responsible sourcing, high performance, and positive impact on the environment. It’s really great news that we are now able to bring ME-PRO to European fish and shrimp farmers and feed mills!”
Photo courtesy of Prairie AquaTech
