More information
Description
As the world population grows, demand for food increases just as much, both in quality and in quantity. Within this context, bivalves which filter-feed on phytoplankton, are the most sustainable source of animal protein. However, few gaps along the value-chain exists that needs to be overcome to increase the shellfish industry standards and to support the production, packaging, and supply of European autochthonous species such as Ruditapes decussatus and Venerupis corrugata.
The ATLANTICLAM project aims to bring Euro-native clam species from “farm to fork”, in an integrated, differentiated and consumer-oriented way. The project intends to solve the main obstacles to a wide dissemination and consumption of Euro-native clam species: availability all-year round – addressed by R&D activities in ATI 1; difficulty to match production with market demand – addressed by R&D activities in ATI 2; lack of trust on the source/origin of the clams - addressed by R&D activities in ATI 3; lack of trust on the quality and freshness of the clams - addressed by R&D activities in ATI 4; lack of solutions to increase the in-home consumption of clams - addressed by R&D activities in ATI 5.
Thus, the project will achieve the development of: 1) an improved breeding program and production optimization of clam elite stocks; 2) a smart model to predict demand and plan the harvesting and supply chain of European clams; 3) a new QR-code consumer interface, with data about all the product chain and source; 4) new chilled clam line up and new sustainable and innovative packaging; 5) new recipes and commercial concepts.
With a consortium between Oceano Fresco, Nofima, Maritech, INL and ESB-UCP, ATLANTICLAM will strengthen both bilateral relations and international cooperation between Portugal and Norway, sharing know-how and disseminating knowledge across borders.