Local communities

One of the improvements we have made as a direct consequence of the implementation of the ASC standard is that we have implemented meetings with the local communities where we operate. These local meetings provide an opportunity for discussions and improvements and are held on a regular basis.

The Group is aware of its responsibility also in relation to the impact on communities where we have no direct activity. This may be, for example, in areas where our raw materials for fish feed are produced. We therefore focus on this in our collaboration with suppliers and subcontractors.

Lerøy is a signatory of Cerrado Manifesto, focusing on the indigenous population of Brazil and the possible impact on the rainforest as a result of the production of soy. We want the production of soy to take place in an orderly form and not at the expense of local population and local nature.

Number of complaints from stakeholders and measures taken in 2020: 27

Good cooperation with our stakeholders is important to us, and we take all complaints seriously. All complaints have been answered and we have initiated  measures where this has been possible.

Achievements for local  projects and initiatives where we have contributed

The Group’s companies are often located in decentralised areas, making significant contributions to employment and income in the local communities.

To the best of our knowledge, we have not affected any communities negatively.

Through our decentralised locations, we also contribute to investments in buildings, infrastructure, quays, floating quays and modern equipment in small, local communities. These form the grounds for local commerce. In fact, we represent 25-80% of the economic basis for certain suppliers in the municipalities in which we have facilities.

The Group aims to develop positive, close cooperation with these communities, and contribute by sponsoring and supporting local sports clubs and festivals/various events.

Each year we invest several million NOK in support to different local activities.

The Group supports various local activities related to children and young people. Diet, health and healthy eating are important common values in this collaboration. It is therefore rewarding to see children and young people enjoying healthy food at different events supported by the Group.

The Group also contributes to voluntary organizations, NGOs, festivals and the construction of local sports halls, among others. In 2020 The Group contributed with 5,8 mill NOK for this purpose.

In 2019, the Group supported 879 different events for children and young people with healthy food. Due to Covid-19 this was not possible to do in 2020, but hopefully events for children and young people can be on the agenda again in 2021.