Fish Farmer

Welfare assured as RSPCA scheme marks 25 years

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THE RSPCA’s food label scheme is recognised by more than half of shoppers, the charity revealed as it marked its 25th anniversar­y.

RSPCA Assured has achieved 58 per cent recognitio­n among its target market of young profession­als and families four years after it was re-branded from Freedom Food.

This is more than two and a half times the level (19 per cent) measured when the new logo was launched in 2015.The majority of Scottish salmon farms are now in the scheme, compared to about 11 per cent of the rest of UK farming market.

Clive Brazier, CEO of RSPCA Assured, said:‘Despite a difficult political backdrop of uncertaint­y for the food and farming industry, these results continue to reflect the growing trend for ethical food and are further reassuranc­e that consumers are standing firm by farm animal welfare.’

Georgina Wright, head of UK sales at Mowi, one of the scheme’s salmon members, said:‘With the vast majority of Scottish farm raised salmon production operating to the RSPCA’s higher welfare standards, RSPCA Assured and all its salmon members really have got something to celebrate.

‘But not only has the scheme helped improve the welfare of salmon but so many other farmed animals too. For us, ensuring the health and welfare of the fish is at the heart of everything we do. Good welfare makes good business sense, so being a member of RSPCA Assured, the best scheme for animal welfare, is an absolute must.’

 ??  ?? Above: The RSPCA Assured scheme’s aquacultur­e manager, Malcolm Johnstone
Above: The RSPCA Assured scheme’s aquacultur­e manager, Malcolm Johnstone

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