Loch Duart Salmon Introduces Innovative Welfare Standard

Loch Duart Salmon is establishing a new benchmark in Scottish salmon farming with the introduction of the ‘Loch Duart Standard’. This bespoke assessment process underscores the company’s commitment to transparency while showcasing their unique approach in raising salmon in small-scale, low-density pens with a focus on animal welfare.

Revolutionizing Salmon Farming

Departing from conventional frameworks often tailored for larger operations, the Loch Duart Standard is specifically designed to reflect the distinctive methods employed by Loch Duart. This initiative emphasizes small-scale, welfare-first farming practices, ensuring that animal welfare is at the forefront of their operations.

Commitment to Accountability and Welfare

Central to the Loch Duart Standard is an unwavering commitment to accountability. The company conducts regular and rigorous on-site audits to ensure that each team member takes responsibility for the care of their renowned salmon. This hands-on approach guarantees that practices are informed by a direct understanding of daily farming conditions.

Key Features of the Loch Duart Standard

• Farming at Small Scale: Designed specifically for smaller operations focused on welfare-first practices.
• Increased On-Site Audits: Enhanced accountability through more frequent practical audits.
• Independent Verification: Backed by decades of animal welfare regulation experience, offering reliable, independent assessments.

Insights from Leadership

Mark Warrington, Managing Director of Loch Duart Salmon, stated:

“Our 25-year history of innovation in fish welfare and low-impact farming distinguishes us in the industry. With the Loch Duart Standard, we have created a tailored framework that reflects our specific approach to small-scale farming, ensuring that we remain hands-on, welfare-led, and forward-thinking.”

“The Loch Duart Standard prioritizes accountability, introducing a new level of transparency through regular on-site inspections conducted by experts with over 85 years of animal welfare experience. This dynamic standard is designed to evolve alongside advancements in fish welfare practices.”

Expert Collaboration

Leigh Grant Consulting has been enlisted to independently manage and assess the Loch Duart Standard, offering a unique perspective on fish welfare. Their insights include:

“This initiative reaffirms Loch Duart Salmon’s dedication to innovation and transparency. Our inspections will cover all production stages, from broodstock to harvest, ensuring a focus on raising premium Scottish salmon.”

“We will have unrestricted access to Loch Duart sites, allowing for unannounced inspections that emphasize real-time observations of staff interactions with the fish, thereby ensuring compliance with the Loch Duart Standard.”

Moving Forward

By fostering a culture of best practices and encouraging proactive contributions from staff, Leigh Grant Consulting believes the Loch Duart Standard will elevate the commitment to high-welfare farming standards.

Learn More

For more detail on Loch Duart Salmon and their groundbreaking welfare standard, visit www.lochduart.com.