Loch Duart Ltd is committed to responsible environmental and fish welfare policies and has received a major accolade by becoming the first salmon farm in the world to become a member of Freedom Food's new salmon scheme.

Freedom Food, the independent farm assurance and food labelling scheme set up by the RSPCA, presented Loch Duart Ltd with its certificate on Friday 6th September 2002.

We worked with the RSPCA during the development of the Society's new salmon standards over a three year period. At a time when consumers are concerned about farming, on land or at sea, this small Sutherland company has set a new landmark in farmed fish welfare. Our aim is to give our fish a good life, with no impact on the environment.

"This is the culmination of years of hard work by all our team," said Nick Joy, Managing Director of Loch Duart. "Fish welfare has always been very important in this company. We call it 'having respect for the fish' - as all farmers should have for the animals they are lucky enough to work with. It has been fascinating working with the RSPCA and Freedom Food, which has involved us in working closely with some of the UK's top animal behavioural scientists. We believe that this initiative is not just for the well being and quality of life of our salmon - it also means that our customers receive a better tasting, better looking fish."

The Freedom Food welfare scheme covers all aspects of salmon rearing. Loch Duart's care for the fish has been audited by Freedom Food's independent assessors who have approved all the sea sites. Building on a welfare-orientated system, a fish welfare officer has been appointed to ensure continual improvement, by constantly monitoring and reviewing practices throughout the three-year rearing cycle.

The Freedom Food standard encompasses all the practices involved in salmon farming, including stocking densities within enclosures and the handling and grading of fish to minimise stress. Loch Duart's innovative approach to salmon rearing, concentrating on welfare and the environment, fitted well with the ideals of Freedom Food. Since the initial discussion there has been a great deal of liaison between Loch Duart and RSPCA and Freedom Food technical specialists, who visited North West Sutherland to study Loch Duart's operation during the development of the standards.

"The Freedom Food scheme aims to improve the life of as many farmed animals as possible, including fish. From a sales point of view, it allows us to demonstrate our commitment to welfare to our customers. For consumers, Freedom Food is a label that means caring and responsible farming. We know this produces the best salmon both in appearance and taste. To consumers who care about the quality of life of farmed animals, this is an important endorsement," said Andrew Bing, Sales Director. "Industry research has shown that the Freedom Food brand is one the most highly recognised labels in the UK. It is also recognised in Holland and Canada. This initiative will further develop our business in the UK and will help to lead us into new markets abroad".