EFFOP General Assembly 2025: A Year of Progress and a Strategic Shift Forward

On May 28, 2025, EFFOP held its annual General Assembly online, gathering its members to review the association’s achievements over the past year.

EFFOP President Odd Eliasson opened the meeting with an overview of the key activities in 2024. He highlighted the dynamic nature of the marine ingredients sector, positioned at the intersection of fisheries, aquaculture, nutrition, and health. This unique vantage point allows EFFOP to monitor and respond to developments across the entire seafood value chain.

Despite navigating a challenging political and market environment throughout 2024, the industry remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainable sourcing. Eliasson underscored that circularity is not a passing trend for the sector, but a long-standing practice. By converting trimmings and by-products into high-value marine ingredients, the industry continues to demonstrate environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of EFFOP’s new strategic framework for 2024–2026. Formally adopted by the Board in November 2024, the strategy sets out a clear direction for the organisation’s work in the coming years. It responds to the ongoing political transition in the EU and reflects the energy and perspectives brought by EFFOP’s growing and dynamic membership.

As part of this evolution, the association unveiled a new identity: EFFOP – Marine Nutrients Europe. This change better reflects its central role in advancing blue food production and reinforces its position as the voice of Europe’s marine ingredient producers.

This year, there were no elections for the roles of President or Vice President. Odd Eliasson (Faroe Islands) and Johannes von Holten (Germany) were confirmed in their respective roles for another term. The Board also renewed its mandate, with new representatives from Iceland and Norway expected in the coming months. Eliasson extended warm thanks to outgoing Board members Jóhann Peter Andersen and Kyrre Dale for their valuable contributions.

The Assembly concluded with the approval of the 2026 budget and membership fees, ensuring EFFOP is well resourced to deliver on its strategic goals.

In closing, Eliasson thanked the members for their continued engagement, the Board for its trust, and the Secretariat for its dedication and professionalism. He also extended an early invitation to the next EFFOP Biennial Conference, to be held in Bremerhaven, Germany, from June 10 to 12, 2026, in cooperation with Bioceval GmbH & Co. KG