After ten years in Sjømat Norge, Trude Olafsen is handing over the role to Arnstein Hosaas. Olafsen has represented AKVA group since the company became a member and has played a key role in bringing suppliers together and strengthening the position of the supplier industry within aquaculture.

“I became involved when AKVA group joined Sjømat Norge. A dedicated sector group for technology and service was established, and I became part of the working committee together with other suppliers,” says Olafsen.

Strong growth in technology and service

Five years ago, she was elected chair of the working committee for technology and service, and she also served as a board member of Sjømat Norge for a three-year period. During this time, the number of members in the supplier segment has increased significantly.

“When we started, there were around 20 members. Today, there are around 180. That says a lot about the role the supplier industry has gained, but also about the need for us to take the position we deserve,” she says.

Olafsen points out that farming companies play a central role in the industry, making it important for suppliers to be aligned and clear in their dialogue.

“Being a member of Sjømat Norge is important in order to have influence within the industry, but also to be more effective externally. Together, we are heard more clearly.”

AKVA group_trudeESG Manager Trude Olafsen at AKVA group. Photo: AKVA group

An important arena for influence

Sjømat Norge is the largest industry organisation for the Norwegian seafood sector and a key consultation and interest body in matters related to regulation, framework conditions and political processes shaping the industry’s development.

“This is where much of the framework for the industry is shaped. If suppliers are to help influence the direction ahead, we must actively take part in these processes,” says Olafsen.

She is stepping down from the role because she believes it is a natural time for renewal.

“Ten years is a long time, and it is important to allow new perspectives to come in.”

New representative in place

Arnstein Hosaas, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at AKVA group, is now taking over the company’s representation in Sjømat Norge.

“Trude has represented AKVA group in an exemplary way in Sjømat Norge for many years. I have become used to receiving thoroughly analysed summaries from the meetings. Taking on the responsibility of formulating our perspectives and needs in an environment largely shaped by farming interests will be a challenge, but also something I look forward to,” says Hosaas.

He emphasises that suppliers will play an increasingly important role in the further development of the aquaculture industry.

“It is the suppliers who develop and commercialise the solutions that move the industry forward towards lower mortality, a reduced environmental footprint and more efficient operations. Technologies such as RAS, deep farming and AKVA observe are solutions we develop for the industry, giving farming companies new opportunities,” says Hosaas.

Hosaas enters the role with clear ambitions.

“I have great respect for Sjømat Norge and the work that has been done, but I also come in with a clear ambition to contribute to change. It is important for the industry that suppliers have a stronger voice, and as a representative of the largest supplier, it will be my responsibility to help ensure that,” he says.