The first top genetics lines were imported from GenoMar’s breeding center in the Philippines. The fish will be grown to maturation and serve as the parent stock for commercial fingerlings to Colombian farmers. The deliveries are expected to happen in the third quarter of 2023.
Further expansion in America
The milestone follows a 5-year-long process to get approvals from the regulatory authority in Colombia – the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) and the establishment of GenoMar Genetics Colombia in 2021. The company is a joint venture with Agroavícola Sanmarino S.A., a Colombian poultry genetics distribution company belonging to the Italcol Group and GenoMar Genetics Group.
“I am extremely satisfied with reaching this milestone which takes us one step further into our effort of expanding our presence in the major tilapia markets in the American continent. I want to congratulate our teams and partners in the Philippines and Colombia for having persevere and never given up on this complex process”, says Alejandro Tola Alvarez, CEO of GenoMar Genetics Group.
The importation took place on January 12th, 2023, from the company´s SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) breeding center in the Philippines. Upon arrival in Colombia, the ICA took samples of the fish to check for the absence of disease-causing agents.
The fish is out of quarantine
After going through the quarantine and customs clearance procedures in Bogotá, the GenoMar genetic lines were transported to the official approved quarantine farm that the company has in Flandes, Tolima province. During the 30-days quarantine period, the ICA inspected the facility, water quality and health status of the fish. On February 14th, the fish was officially released.
“We have a lot of interest and expectation in the market right now. I believe that the 30 years breeding work on the GenoMar strain will have a positive impact on improving tilapia production in Colombia. We will start R&D trials very soon”, says Martin Cordero Ordóñez, General Manager of GenoMar Genetics Colombia.
Local distribution of superior genetics
Unlike other players, GenoMar has a clear strategy for operating close to where the customers are by owning their own distribution centers. GenoMar Genetics Colombia will be able to supply high quality starting material and professional technical support services to the Colombian tilapia industry.
The company is also working to have the relevant approvals for importing genetic material from its new breeding center in Brazil. This will open opportunities to import new genetic lines in the future as well as to improve welfare and reduce cost during shipping.
About GenoMar Genetics Group
GenoMar Genetics Group is an international aquaculture breeding and distribution company focusing on the global tilapia markets. From breeding centres in Norway, Asia and Latin America, the company manage innovation and technology programs for some of the most recognized independent brands in the industry such as GenoMar, Aquabel and AquaAmerica.
A well developed and expanding production infrastructure enables to quickly disseminate genetic progress and supply year-round, high quality stocks to farmers worldwide, contributing to a sustainable and profitable tilapia aquaculture industry.
For more information, please contact:
Alejandro Tola Alvarez, CEO of GenoMar Genetics Group
+47 483 28 271
Martín Cordero Ordóñez, General Manager of GenoMar Genetics Colombia
+57 3160108635
