The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) will unveil the inaugural FEAP Laschinger NextGen Award this November in Munich, marking a major new initiative to recognise and support the next generation of European aquaculture talent.
The award is part of FEAP’s broader NextGen initiative, launched in 2024 to engage younger aquaculture professionals and highlight the sector’s potential for innovation, career growth and long-term opportunities. The initiative focuses on training, knowledge exchange and building bridges between young professionals and Europe’s national aquaculture associations.
The new Laschinger NextGen Award aims to spotlight exceptional entrepreneurship and business leadership among young people working directly in aquaculture production. Candidates must be nominated by national aquaculture associations across all subsectors — finfish, shellfish, seaweed and crustaceans — with self-nominations excluded.
Backed by aquaculture pioneer Rudolf Laschinger, the award honours the spirit of innovation and determination that characterised his own career. Laschinger founded his company in 1979 with a small trout farm and smokehouse in Bavaria before expanding into salmon farming and processing operations in Norway, Scotland and Ireland. His company is now a major producer of smoked salmon for global markets, and he continues to champion sector development.
The biennial award includes a €10,000 prize intended to support the winner’s professional activity or business.
FEAP said the award is designed to recognise “energetic individuals” who have built success through initiative, perseverance and hands-on leadership — traits crucial to the future of European aquaculture.
