Loch Duart, an independent Scottish salmon farming company based in Scourie, Sutherland, has announced its withdrawal from the RSPCA Assured certification program after 20 years.
The company, which operates eight sea sites and two hatcheries in Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides, cited that the program no longer aligns with its core values of small-scale, quality-focused farming.
Producing around 6,000 metric tons of fresh salmon annually, Loch Duart has built a reputation for supplying premium salmon to high-profile events and chefs. Despite its long-standing association with the RSPCA Assured label, the company expressed concerns that the certification has diminished in value after the inclusion of large scale producers, which contrasts with Loch Duart’s commitment to artisanal farming practices, according to The Times.
“In our assessment, the RSPCA Assured Scheme no longer holds the same significance that it once did for Loch Duart. Its application towards mass-produced salmon no longer aligns with Loch Duart’s core values of small-scale farming which prioritises quality over quantity,” a spokesperson for Loch Duart told SalmonBusiness.
The decision marks a significant shift for Loch Duart, which has just over 100 employees and additional offices in Montrose and Lorient, France. The company’s salmon has been featured at notable events such as the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the UN COP26 summit.
In 2019, Loch Duart agreed to remove “sustainable” from its marketing following a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority. This latest move to exit the RSPCA Assured program further emphasizes the company’s focus on maintaining its distinct identity within the salmon farming industry.
