“Almost all Atlantic salmon available to the consumer are farmed, and this has been the case since at least 1982.”
Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing Scotland’s salmon production sector, has applied for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) amendment to remove the word “farmed” from salmon packaging.
If approved by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), salmon produced by Salmon Scotland’s members would be officially labeled as “Scottish salmon.” Currently, the PGI label “Scottish farmed salmon” designates produce from a specific region.
Just as Scotch whisky must be produced in Scotland to bear the name, PGI status ensures that only salmon from a specified region can carry the label.
The reasoning behind Salmon Scotland’s application lies in addressing increased competition from imported, often lower-quality, commoditized salmon products, which pose a heightened risk of food fraud.
“Almost all Atlantic salmon available to the consumer are farmed, and this has been the case since at least 1982,” said the trade body in its application.
Scottish salmon, is the UK’s largest single food export, valued at £578 million last year, with distribution to over 50 countries worldwide.
The move to remove the term “farmed” is part of Salmon Scotland’s broader efforts to safeguard the industry’s premium status amid growing competition.
