An increasing number of Scottish salmon farmers are seeking certification to prove their social and environmental credentials, according to certification and labelling scheme Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which has seen a 144% increase in the number of farms applying for its eco-label in the last year.
ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said market demand is behind the increase.
“The availability of ASC certified salmon products in the UK has increased by 61% in the last year alone, and three-quarters of UK consumers associate the ASC label with trust and sustainability. What’s clear is that salmon consumers want products which are in line with their values. They want to know that the fish they’re eating isn’t damaging the planet and has been raised with care for workers and communities. And retailers will follow their consumers’ values.
“With 16 more farms going through the initial audit stage right now, by this time next year it is possible that the number of Scottish salmon farmers who have achieved ASC certification will have doubled,” Ninnes said.
The Scottish salmon farming sector generated £766 million for the nation’s economy in 2021 – up 20% from 2019 – and could be worth up to £1 billion in a few years, according to industry body Salmon Scotland.
Mowi was the first company in Scotland to achieve ASC certification for one of its farms. The producer now has 30 salmon farms certified or in initial audit stage.
Scottish Sea Farms and Bakkafrost Scotland are now also onboard – the former with three farms certified and the latter with three farms certified or in initial audit stage – leading to the 144% increase in Scottish salmon farms applying for certification in the last year.
