Isfahan - A delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited a trout farming complex, Abzi Negin Shayan Fereydounshahr, Isfahan Province, to observe aquaculture practices, assess ongoing challenges, and explore potential areas of collaboration on fisheries and aquaculture sector.

 

The FAO delegation, headed by FAO Representative to Iran, Farrukh Toirov, toured the facility’s production units, discussed innovative approaches and genetic improvement techniques with farm managers, and reviewed the farm’s operational model.

 

Iran is one of the global leaders and top three in farmed rainbow trout production, with the industry primarily based in specific cold-water provinces mainly using raceway systems. Based on FAO statistics Iran's existing trout production capacity, as measured by actual output, was approximately 267,838 tons in 2022.

 

The farm manages a complete value chain for rainbow trout production, from trout roe and broodstock management to fattening operations and specialized fish feed production. Their trout roe production currently supplies approximately 25 percent of national demand.

 

During the visit, FAO representative emphasized the importance of strengthening public–private partnerships (PPP) to improve aquaculture productivity, food safety compliance, and climate-resilient farming systems. He also highlighted FAO’s readiness to support the country in adopting advanced technologies, enhancing biosecurity measures, and promoting best practices in fish health management.

 

Discussions further addressed opportunities for enhancing the farm’s contribution to both domestic markets and international exports, genetic improvement, and alignment with global standards.

 

The global demand for animal protein is rising steadily, with aquaculture representing the fastest growing food production sector. This growth is central to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s concept of "Blue Transformation," which advocates for sustainable aquatic food systems to improve food security, nutrition, and equitable economic development while adapting to climate change. The visit marks another step in FAO’s ongoing cooperation with national counterparts to encourage sustainable, innovative, and environmentally responsible aquaculture across the country.