Meet SelectOrganic Partners
This section introduces the organisations driving the project forward.
Through close collaboration between research institutions, aquaculture companies, NGOs, and sector specialists, the consortium combines scientific knowledge with practical experience to develop solutions that are innovative, applicable, and aligned with the needs of the organic aquaculture sector.
Meet the partners behind SelectOrganic and discover how each partner contributes to advancing sustainable and resilient fish breeding practices across Europe.
FISH FARMERS AND BREEDERS
Nofima
Nofima is a Norwegian leading food research institute that conducts research and development for the aquaculture industry, the fishing industry and the food industry.
In SelectOrganic, NOFIMA is the coordinating partner.
EFFAB, the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders, is the main representative organisation for the animal breeding and reproduction industry. It also holds the secretariat office of FABRE-TP, a forum led by knowledge institutes and academia in collaboration with the private sector. The major European breeding organisations are members of EFFAB (ruminants, pigs, poultry, and aquaculture – from small cooperatives to international organisations). EFFAB encompasses a unique stakeholder network, gathering industry experts, scientists, policy-makers, politicians, NGOs.
In SelectOrganic, EFFAB will mainly be involved in the WP7, bringing the organisation’s expertise on the dissemination, exploitation and technology transfer of results generated by the project.
Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) is an international research center at Aarhus University (Denmark) focused on basic and applied research in quantitative genetics and genomics. Research activities include the development of statistical models for animal and plant breeding, studies on the genetic basis of traits and diseases, and the management of genetic resources, with work spanning animals, plants, human genetics, and model organisms in close collaboration with researchers and industry partners worldwide.
In SelectOrganic, QGG/AU is acting as lead in WP2 and is part of WP4 and WP6.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) is the largest university in Greece and one of the leading academic and research institutions in Southeast Europe. Through its research activities in aquaculture, animal science, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, the university contributes to advancing innovative and sustainable practices in the agri-food and fisheries sectors.
In the SelectOrganic project, AUTH contributes scientific expertise supporting sustainable and organic aquaculture research, with a focus on advancing knowledge and innovation in fish breeding and production systems.
UNIVERSITIES
EFFAB
Aarhus University
FNI
The Fridtjof Nansen Institute is a Norwegian independent research institute specialising in international environmental, energy and resource management politics. The institute conducts interdisciplinary research on governance frameworks for the sustainable use of natural resources, including oceans and aquaculture.
In the SelectOrganic project, the Fridtjof Nansen Institute contributes with expertise on governance, policy frameworks and regulatory aspects related to sustainable and organic aquaculture. The institute has extensive experience with governance of marine resources and environmental impacts of aquaculture.
INRAE
INRAE is France’s national research institute dedicated to agriculture, food, and environmental science. It conducts interdisciplinary research to support sustainable farming, biodiversity, climate resilience, and healthy nutrition.
COISPA ETS
COISPA ETS Foundation is an Italian non-profit research foundation focused on marine ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental sustainability. The organization conducts interdisciplinary research and innovation projects to support sustainable management of marine resources, animal welfare, and ecosystem conservation.
WUR
Wageningen University & Research is a leading Dutch research institution specializing in life sciences, agriculture, food, and environmental sustainability. It combines academic research and practical innovation to address global challenges related to healthy food systems, climate change, and sustainable living.
MOWI Genetics AS
Mowi Genetics is the genetics and breeding division of Mowi, one of the largest seafood companies in the world, and the world’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon. Mowi Genetics specialises in selective breeding programs for Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Its research and innovation activities focus on improving fish health, growth performance, sustainability, and genetic resilience to support efficient and responsible seafood production.
HCMR
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research is Greece’s leading research organization dedicated to marine science, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental sustainability. Its research activities cover oceanography, fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, and climate impacts on marine environments, supporting the sustainable management of aquatic resources.
NMBU
Norges Miljø- og Biovitenskaplige Universitet (NMBU) is a Norwegian university specializing in life sciences, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, and sustainable food production. Its research and education activities focus on addressing global challenges related to sustainability, biodiversity, climate change, and the management of natural and biological resources.
SYSAAF
SYSAAF - Le Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français (Union of French Poultry and Aquaculture Breeders) is the French association representing poultry and aquaculture breeding organizations and companies. It supports research, innovation, and genetic improvement programs aimed at enhancing animal performance, sustainability, health, and competitiveness in the poultry and aquaculture sectors.
FEED COMPANIES
IFOAM
IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organization for organic food and farming, representing the sector in European policymaking and supporting the transformation of food and agricultural systems. Its work is based on the principles of organic agriculture—health, ecology, fairness, and care—and spans the entire organic value chain across nearly 200 member organizations in 34 countries.
In the context of the SelectOrganic project, it contributes to stakeholder engagement, coordination of multi-actor exchange platforms, and the development of strategies to disseminate and maximize the impact of project outcomes.
LUKE
Luonnonvarakeskus (LUKE) is Finland’s national research institute focused on natural resources, agriculture, forestry, food systems, and fisheries. It produces scientific knowledge and data to support sustainable management of natural resources, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the development of bio-based economies.
Naturland
Naturland is an international organic farming association based in Germany that sets standards for organic agriculture and certifies producers across farming, food processing, and aquaculture. It promotes sustainable agriculture through ecological, social, and fair-trade principles, supporting a global network of certified organic farmers and companies.
AUTH
IRIDA AE
IRIDA AE is a company active in the animal production sector, offering products and services that support livestock farming and related agricultural activities. Its work focuses on providing technical solutions and inputs aimed at improving productivity, animal health, and farm management efficiency.
NGO’S
Ravning Skov
Ravning Skov, represented by Jørgen Jøker Trachsel. is a freshwater aquaculture operation involved in fish production in inland facilities. Its activities fall under standard freshwater fish farming, focused on the cultivation of fish in controlled production systems with regulated environmental discharge.
Stichting Wageningen Research - WR
Stichting Wageningen Research (WR) is part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), a collaboration between Wageningen University (WU) and the specialised research institutes grouped in the Stichting Wageningen Research, in the Netherlands. The applied research foundation that conducts research in agriculture, food systems, environment, and life sciences. It focuses on developing practical, science-based solutions to support sustainable innovation in food production, natural resource management, and environmental quality.
Ecloserie Marine de Gravelines Ichtus
The Gravelines Ichtus marine hatchery is a French aquaculture farm producing conventional and organic sea bass fry (Dicentrarchus Labrax) and sea bass larvae (freshly hatched eggs). As a European specialist in this sector, the farm maintains very strict health and safety standards, which are regularly monitored by independent laboratories to ensure a high standard of quality.
Galaxidi Marine Farm AE
Galaxidi Marine Farm SA is one of the oldest and most importnat aquaculture producers in Greece. Based in Galaxidi, Central Greece, it operates across two hactheries, one pre-growing unit, nine marine grow-out sites and a packaging station. The main species produced are Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass, Meagre and Pagrus. The company has been part of several consortia in European and National funded projects, utilizing its expertise and large scale trial capabilities. Furthermore, the company has been running an in-house breeding programme for Seabream and Seabass for more than ten years.
In SelectOrganic, GMF's main involvement will be the feeding trials of WP3, and the synergies of that trial with WP5.