Soil Association threatens to exit organic salmon sector without reform.
The Soil Association has warned it will withdraw from setting organic standards for Scottish salmon farming unless “meaningful progress” is made within the next year on environmental and animal welfare reforms.
Following an 18-month review, the charity concluded that current standards — despite being the most stringent in the sector — are not sufficient to address systemic risks of mass mortality, chemical pollution, and inadequate fish welfare on organic farms.
The Soil Association has set out a timeline for reform, including new site reassessments following repeated mortality events, enhanced welfare monitoring, and the phased elimination of deltamethrin, a chemical veterinary treatment currently permitted as a last resort under limited conditions. It is also proposing stricter feed requirements, with only sustainably sourced waste and trimmings allowed for salmon feed at marine sites.
Managing Director James Cashmore said: “The message from our research was clear – the risks to fish welfare and environmental outcomes on organic salmon farms are not at a level that we can accept.”
The organisation is now calling on salmon producers and the Scottish Government to support a suite of reforms, including legislative action on baseline welfare standards, mortality reporting, and site suitability regulation. It also proposes location restrictions to protect wild salmon runs and maerl habitats.
Chief Executive Helen Browning said the charity is open to continued engagement but will review its involvement in the sector if “rapid and meaningful” commitments are not secured. Consultation with industry and government is expected to begin in the coming weeks.