Why new feed ingredients are important and why Vestland is key

Fish feed is by far the largest contributor to both emissions and costs in the salmon industry, accounting for close to 80% of the emissions per unit of salmon and almost half of the production costs. To reach the estimated production of farmed salmon and trout will demand 6.2 million tons of feed measured in dry weight

A barrier to aquaculture growth

The current production of animal feed relies heavily on imported soy and fishmeal, which are linked to significant environmental challenges such as deforestation and overfishing. Today’s situation is a global lack of sufficient marine raw material. Access to sustainable raw materials for feed is expected to become one of the greatest barriers to salmon aquaculture growth.

Sufficiant feed is vital if the aquaculture industry shall reach their future growth goals. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.

To comply with the industry’s sustainability goals, new and innovative feed production is critical to ensure both reduced emissions and lower costs. Developing new feed ingredients—whether from algae, insects, or by-products from other industries—offers a chance to both cut emissions and improve resource efficiency.  Locally produced, sustainable feed ingredients can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of food production.

Room for innovation at Mongstad Industrial Park

Vestland is uniquely positioned to be a great location. The combination of industrial expertise, infrastructure, and access to natural resources provides an ideal environment for scaling up feed ingredient production. Vestland’s proximity to marine and agricultural resources further supports the development of ingredients such as algae-based feeds or by-products from fisheries. These raw materials can be processed locally, reducing transportation emissions and costs.

Our recent feasibility study highlights Mongstad Industrial Park as a prime location for producing new feed ingredients in a circular, symbiotic industrial framework. The area’s existing infrastructure and potential for circular resource use make it an ideal hub for scaling up production in a cost-effective and sustainable manner and at the same time, reduce reliance on volatile global markets and promote stable, local food systems.

Click the illustration to read more in the Mongstad feasibility study. 

Collaboration opportunities

The region’s strong ecosystem of businesses, research institutions, and policymakers makes it a fertile ground for innovation. Collaborative projects like the one proposed under “Samfunnsoppdrag bærekraftig fôr” can leverage this work to accelerate progress. The national mission, spearheaded by the Research Council of Norway, focuses on scaling up the production of innovative feed ingredients. This approach not only supports Norway’s sustainability goals but also has the potential to set a new standard for responsible resource management in the feed industry.

Invest in Vestland is committed to supporting this transition. We recognize that solving complex challenges requires a strategic, collective mindset. By attracting investments and fostering partnerships, we aim to make Vestland a key player in the global shift toward sustainable feed production. This work is essential—not just for the, but for a more sustainable and resilient food system worldwide. Do not hesitate to contact any of our advisors if you would like to explore the possibi