Adoption of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems in Pangasius Farms: A Choice Experiment

A growing number of European customers’ demands certified pangasius such as ASC in order to ensure sustainable production. Implementing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) contributes to an improved water quality, a key issue in achieving ASC certification. This study uses a choice experiment to measure farmers’ preferences for RAS in pangasius production in Vietnam. The farmers’ choice for RAS is positively affected by enhanced yield levels and achievement of ASC certification with price premium. Also the area of farming is found to be important, i.e. farmers in saltwater intrusion areas are more likely to implement RAS. Main constraints are availability of finance and lack of trust in receiving the ASC price premium. To stimulate the adoption of RAS, policies can provide interest subsidies on loans to finance RAS investment, while retailers could ensure a price premium for ASC certified pangasius.