– Jeez, it never ends. These are absolutely extreme numbers. That was Rasmus Hansson’s first reaction when he saw the announcement about the high death toll at Mowi. Read: Every third Mowi salmon died in the cages – Direct co-responsible! Hansson sits on the Business Committee at the Storting. He follows the farming industry closely. Folketrygdfondet manages Norwegians’ future pension money. It is the second largest shareholder in Mowi with an ownership stake of 8 per cent. – Through its ownership, Folketrygdfondet is directly responsible for extreme mortality and poor animal welfare in Mowi’s facility, claims Hansson. – Clear or sell! Now he goes so far as to ask Folketrygdfondet to sell itself out of the farming giant. – Either they have to sell out or they have to clean up. This is the acid test, says Hansson. The MDG representative believes it is about the credibility of Folketrygdfondet. The fund’s mandate states that the return must take into account: “Sustainable development in an economic, environmental and social sense.” – If this is to be more than beautiful words, the fund must use its ownership to ensure good animal welfare in all of Mowi’s operations. It is astonishing that Fisheries Minister Bjørnar Skjæran does not address this, Hansson insists. Preoccupied with sustainability Recent figures show that Folketrygdfondet manages NOK 328 billion on behalf of the community. Equity director Karl Mathisen at Folketrygdfondet says that they are demanding better fish health from Mowi. Photo: Jarle Nyttingnes / Folketrygdfondet Equity director Karl Mathisen says that the fund is concerned with sustainability. – We are a demanding owner who sets clear expectations of the companies, including through close dialogue. This is how we can influence companies to act responsibly and sustainably. Must reduce mortality Vidar Ulriksen is state secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries. He believes that it is the board and management of Folketrygdfondet that are responsible for the investments. – They must answer for the management of the fund, he says. But at the same time points out that the aquaculture industry must reduce mortality. – I am concerned that they should contribute to even more healthy food. At the same time, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize negative environmental consequences and improve animal welfare. Have expectations for Mowi Folketrygdfondet does not respond directly to Hansson’s demand to sell out of Mowi. – We believe that all parties benefit from the fact that the companies have owners who get involved and make clear demands on the companies’ behaviour, says the shareholder director. – What specific requirements have you made to Mowi? – Animal welfare is of course part of our dialogue with Mowi. We expect Mowi to work on reducing mortality in line with the company’s goals. Rasmus Hansson believes that the markets need to know how things are going with the salmon in the farming phase. He has a concrete proposal for measures. – People need to know how the fish have fared along the way. It is time for a welfare label for the Norwegian farmed salmon, he says to news. Hello! We are currently working a lot on matters concerning the farming industry. Do you have tips for us, or know something about the industry that you think we should know or check out? Feel free to send us an email! Alternatively, you can call us on 95.22.30.63. You can use the same number on the encrypted Signal app.
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MDG politician asks Folketrygdfondet to clean up Mowi – news Dokumentar
