Calvisius Caviar (www.calvisius.it) and its farmed white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) from Agroittica Lombarda have recently passed their second full Friend of the Sea audit since their initial approval in 2008.

Agroittica’s innovative aquaculture farm is based in Viadana di Calvisano, a small town near Milan, Italy. By using a simple heat exchanger the surplus heat from a neighbouring steelworks is transferred to the cool resurgent waters in the farm, thus obtaining the perfect habitat for some species of fish among which the White Sturgeon of the Pacific. This process is energy efficient and Agroittica’s modern aquaculture farm now covers 600.000 square meters.

Agroittica’s educational efforts have been emphasised. Regular school visits are organised to their plants where students are taken on an educational trip around the farm. The importance of sustainability is taught. It is explained how sturgeon can be born in captivity and how this alleviates endangered populations.

“Being part of Friend of the Sea adds value to our product. It’s important to us that our sustainable endeavours are highlighted.” states Mr Sandro Cancellieri, Managing Director of Agroittica.