Organic salmon farmed by Marine Harvest in the lee of Clare Island, off the west coast of Ireland, has gained certification under the French national organic standard, Agriculture Biologique (AB). The first generation of AB certified Clare Island Organic Salmon will be available in June 2007.

Agriculture Biologique certification is highly respected in France and only food which meets the high standards set by the French government can achieve the AB certification. Auditing was conducted by Qualité France and the certificate was issued in September 2006, following the final audit in June. It is valid to December 2008. Qualité France will audit the farm and processing plant annually.

Natural environment
The AB protocol sets specifications for stocking density, feed and its sustainability, as do other organic certification protocols. Additionally, AB has a strong focus on the effect a farming enterprise has on the natural environment. Clare Island Sea Farm was able to demonstrate excellent environmental performance, fully endorsed by an independent environmental impact assessement  conducted as part of the licence requirement. This forms a part of Marine Harvest’s Environmental Management System. The survey validated how well the farm is working in harmony with its environment.

Clare Island Sea Farm is one of the world’s most exposed salmon farms, located in waters off Clare Island, which is six kilometres from the coast of County Mayo in the west of Ireland. Large cages give the salmon generous room to follow their natural shoaling behaviour, in line with organic farming concepts. Clare Island Organic Salmon swim over 20,000 km in their lifetime, as much or more than many wild salmon.

The Irish Atlantic waters in which they thrive are classed as 1A in quality — the best there is. A constant 2-knot flow and high tidal exchange rates continuously flush the pens with fresh water, avoiding any build up of parasites or pollutants. This natural, healthy environment and low population density allows the fish to develop good muscle and body shape, which contributes to the excellent eating quality. The salmon diets contain only organic and natural ingredients, free from genetically modified organisms.

Several other European organic certification bodies, including Naturland Verband (Germany), Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) and Bio Suisse (Switzerland), also certify Clare Island Organic Salmon.