Norwegian aquaculture venture Norcod and Myre processing company Vesterålen Havbruk have entered into a partnership for the harvesting of all Norcod’s farmed cod from its Frosvika facility.
The agreement runs for the next three years, with an extension option, and covers the entire slaughter and processing of cod at Vesterålen Havbruk’s fish-processing facility in Myre. The facility also processes large amounts of wild cod during the winter fishing season. The agreement covers harvest up to 10,000 tonnes per year.
“The first harvest will take place from September next year and into 2023. The fish went into the sea at Frosvika this summer, so it will be the culmination of almost two years’ hard work during the production cycle. We know our fish will be in the best hands,” said Norcod production director Rune Eriksen.
The agreement is a key step for Vesterålen Havbruk as it will enable year-round activity for the facility in Myre.
“We’re very happy be working closely with Norcod. This agreement is important for both companies as it enables a better utilization of the untapped potential in existing facilities. It will also contribute to sustaining our local community with year-round jobs. Our employees are used to handling large volumes of cod during the main season and being able to transfer this knowledge into cod farming is key in the scale-up of the white-fish industry,” said Vesterålen Havbruk CEO Brynjar Kværnstuen.
Vesterålen Havbruk will also harvest their own farmed cod next year. Together with the Norcod volumes, the partners are close to building Norway’s largest reception for farmed cod.
“It’s a great decision and we look forward to working together to build a new and sustainable cod-farming industry. The market is crying out for fresh farmed cod year-round, so there’s plenty room for more players. Competition is good,” Rune Eriksen said.
Harvesting Norcod’s cod from its other sites further south are not covered by the agreement, with separate slaughter arrangements in place in Trøndelag county.
