Huitres Favier Earl has become the first farm in France to achieve Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.
The French oyster producer received a cluster certification for its La Tremblade and Paimpol units in recognition of its responsible environmental and social practices.
Philippe Favier, director, Hitres Favier Earl, said: “We are glad to receive ASC certification. The quality of the natural environment has a direct impact on our business. The oysters are our sentinels. They inform us on the good conditions of the marine environment.”
“We are in the front line, and we know what can happen if the water quality declines. We feel it is important to respect nature and it is therefore natural for us to join the ASC."
Huitres Favier Earl is located on the left bank of the Seudre River, in the heart of the Marennes Oleron Basin, in Southern-West France.
The farm comprises over 300,000 m2 of sea beds and 160,000 m2 of "Claires" (where fresh and sea water blend together), which makes it possible to permanently shelter 15 to 20 million oysters at different stages of rearing.
The establishment of the company dates back to 1966 and since then, five generations of oyster farmers have succeeded one another in the region. Huitres Favier Earl sells between 9 and 10 million oysters each year. Its oysters are supplied to the French retailer Carrefour and exported to many different countries in Europe.
