Aquaculture is an international business. Technology is shared between countries and regions and trade takes place in live fish and shellfish, equipment, feed, services. Capital and ownership transfers internationally and research and development partnerships across international borders are commonplace. IFA Aquaculture recognises the key importance of international relations through its formal membership of international bodies. This membership gives IFA members access to the international network of farmers, suppliers, researchers and trade in Europe and beyond. These organisations are also recognised as official representative bodies by institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.

Given the huge impact of legislation and policy developed in Brussels and Strasbourg, IFA Aquaculture puts major emphasis on being at the centre of developments at EU level. The Association is active within both FEAP and EMPA to bring forward the views of Irish producers. At official level, IFA Aquaculture has played a vital part in both the development of the EU’s aquaculture strategy published in 2009 and also in the ongoing advisory committee. IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Richie Flynn, has held the presidency of the European Commission’ s aquaculture advisory committee since its inception in 2001 with the unanimous support of European finfish and shellfish producers.

Links to international bodies and the advisory committee are as follows:

 European Aquaculture and Fisheries Advisory Committee http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/governance/acfa_en.htm
 European Mollusc Producers Association www.mollusques.org.
 Federation of European Aquaculture Producers www.feap.info
 International Salmon Farmers Association http://www.salmonfarming.org/wp/