For most aquaculture companies, compliance with the ASC standards will require further capacity building and investments in, for example, management practices and waste water management. To support small and medium sizes fish producers to comply to ASC standards, IDH has set up the ASC Accelerator: a public private service provider, organized and financed by IDH and seafood traders.
Vietnamese aquaculture producers that supply one of the associated seafood traders, can contract technical assistance, trainings and other services of selected and qualified agencies, that will help them to work towards ASC compliance. The costs for these services will be co-financed (max 50%) by the ASC Accelerator.
This capacity building program includes support for smallholders in organization and administration issues and training in best management practices. It also means assistance in finding financial support for investments in more responsible management practices. At the basis of the capacity building program are several studies on inclusion of smallholders.