TARS 2026 tackles aquafeed challenges

The 15th edition of the Aquaculture Roundtable Series (TARS) 2026 has concluded in Bali, bringing together 284 participants from across Asia’s aquafeed and aquaculture supply chain.

The two-day event which finished on 20 August attracted speakers, panellists and industry leaders from 29 countries, making it the largest aquafeed-focused edition of TARS to date.

The meeting examined how Asia’s aquafeed sector can respond to volatile commodity markets, production pressures and growing demands for efficiency and sustainability. Discussions also considered the potential impact of a super El Niño on feed ingredients and aquaculture production.

“Increasing production alone is not enough; we must produce more efficiently, profitably, resiliently and sustainably,” said Fernando J. Simanjuntak, director of brackish water fish at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Aquaculture.

“The goal is not simply cheaper feed, but greater value for farmers through improved performance and lower environmental impact.”

Ten sessions featuring 52 international and regional speakers explored commodity volatility, precision nutrition, functional feeds, smart feeding, alternative ingredients and sustainability.

Participants highlighted the need to move beyond low-cost formulations towards feeds that improve digestibility, performance and profitability across the production cycle.

The State of Industry & Commodities session examined disruptions affecting grain, fishmeal and fish oil markets, with speakers stressing that marine ingredients remain strategically important because of their nutritional and functional properties.

Alternative proteins, including insect meal and single-cell proteins, were also discussed as components of blended formulations rather than direct one-for-one replacements for fishmeal or fish oil.

Disease management emerged as another priority, with functional additives and feeds identified as potential tools for supporting animal health and mitigating risks including EHP and vibriosis.

The Next-Gen Farmers X Feedmillers session brought farmers and feed producers together to discuss performance, data sharing, additive use, genetics and profitability. Meanwhile, discussions on smart feed management emphasised reducing waste and improving feeding precision through practical use of technology and farm data.

The organisers said TARS 2027 will focus on shrimp aquaculture.