Organic salmon farms attempt to evade public scrutiny

Independent investigative journalism co-operative The Ferret has reported that the public’s right to access environmental information could be curtailed amidst campaigners calling for inspection reports on organic salmon farms in Scotland.

Last year, the UK Information Commissioner ruled that the Soil Association certification body is bound by freedom of information law. As a result, inspection reports of organic salmon farms in Scotland, asked for by campaign group WildFish, should be released.

However, Soil Association Certification is appealing the UK Information Commissioner’s ruling, arguing that they should not be subject to environmental information regulations. Following a hearing, the information rights tribunal will soon issue a verdict on the case.

At the same time, the Soil Association has launched a consultation as part of a review of the standards for organic farmed salmon. The proposals consulted on are inspired by an extensive review into the welfare needs and environmental impacts of farmed salmon. According to the Soil Association, the consultation “sets the scope for standards-led approaches,” and “is limited to organic aquaculture operations with specific focus on farmed salmon”.

Despite the consultation providing an invaluable opportunity for the public’s views on salmon farming to be heard, it is unacceptable that the Soil Association considers that organic food should be exempt from scrutiny. The public has a right to know that the food they consume is safe and as advertised. Furthermore, if the tribunal were to rule in favour of Soil Association Certification, this would set a dangerous precedent that could lead to other public services outsourced to the private sector evading scrutiny. 

Exempting salmon farms from environmental information regulations would allow them to operate in secrecy. This would significantly harm the operation of campaigners and groups that oppose salmon farming, such as Animal Concern, as well as put the public’s right to know at risk. 

An update will be given once the tribunal issues its decision. In the meantime, we invite supporters to give their opinions to the Soil Association’s consultation.