Certified Organic Smoked SalmonGOLD AWARD WINNER 2005 Great Taste Awards
In April 2002, Ummera was awarded the Organic Trust symbol for sourcing, processing and distribution of Certified Organic Smoked Salmon. This award enables Ummera to add an exciting new range to our long established and much sought after Smoked Wild Atlantic Salmon. Ummera recognised clear additional demand amongst consumers for a high quality product, that could not be met without additional undesirable pressures on limited wild salmon stocks. A number of customers expressed the desire to access organic products, in part to reduce pressures on wild stocks and also in preference to ordinary farmed salmon. Ummera did not want to work with farmed salmon which in our experience would not produce quality smoked product, but set out to assess the potential of organic stocks. After a trial period the Company achieved a quality of product with which it was satisfied and began the process of applying for organic accreditation from the Organic Trust. In meeting the demanding standards of The Organic Trust, Ummera has justified its investment in the new smokehouse at Inchybridge. While complying with current EU regulations and implementation of HACCP, the new smokehouse has developed a natural wetland system as well as a vermicomposting unit to handle its waste in an environmentally friendly and "organic" way. We also have an environmental policy that outlines our commitment to environmental concerns in all aspects of our business. What makes Organic Salmon different?We have two sources for our Organic Salmon used by Ummera: 1. The Clare Island Seafarm six kilometres off the coast of County Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland, in the exposed and pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 2. Bantry Bay off the village of Gearhies owned by Fastnet Mussels
Marine Harvest farms Irish organic salmon in the lee of Clare Island, which is four miles off the coast of County Mayo in the west of Ireland. Clare Island Sea Farm is one of the world’s most remote salmon farms. Organic Salmon are provided with special diets that contain only organic, natural ingredients and are free of genetically modified products. Phaffia, a yeast based pigment, ensures the salmon have that natural salmon-pink colour. Stocking densities are low, in line with organic welfare concepts. This calculates out at just 0.5% to 1% of fish by volume in the water, less than half that of conventional farms. The Irish Atlantic waters they live in are classed by the European Union 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, preventing 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. Underlining their outstanding merit, the salmon are certified by the organic authorities of no fewer than four European countries — France, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. The four organic certification bodies that certify Clare Island Organic Salmon in Ireland are Naturland Verband (Germany), Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), Bio Suisse (Switzerland) and Qualité France. Each authority conducts an annual audit to ensure the highest organic standards are maintained. The other ingredients Ummera uses in its organic production come from far away: The salt is pure sea salt from Tavira in Portugal; the sugar is raw cane sugar organically grown in Cost Rica; the sawdust for smoking is from oak timber grown in sustainable forests. Links: |
