"A Better Future For Us All" is a major blueprint which sets out a long-term vision for Scotland’s successful farmed salmon sector.

Initially published in 2020, the charter highlights the green jobs and sustainable operations which underpin this ground-breaking new roadmap for Scottish salmon – the country’s number one food export.

The charter encapsulates all aspects of farming life and features key environmental pledges. These include a commitment to becoming net zero in greenhouse gas emissions before 2045 and being 100 per cent reliant on renewable energy.

Explainer: "A Better Future For Us All"

The pledges in the document include:
  • The sector will source 100 per cent of its fish feed ingredients from sustainable sources and there will be full traceability of all ingredients.
  • It will work towards having 100 per cent recyclable packaging.
  • Increase the provision of high quality affordable housing in remote communities in partnership with government, local authorities and other key partners, incorporating greener approaches wherever possible.

But this Sustainability Charter goes further and deeper than the environment, committing the sector to achieving key targets in fish health and welfare, community support, employment and maintaining the highest standards for the food itself, Scottish salmon.

Click here to read the charter.

Other commitments in the document include:
  • Scotland’s fish farmers will improve pen structures to make sure all fish are prevented from escaping.
  • The sector will direct more money and resource into farming communities.
  • Scotland’s salmon farmers will install electric vehicle charging points.
  • The sector will establish a salmon experience visitor centre.
  • The sector will work with government, regulators and other bodies to establish innovation sites to trial new technology.
  • The sector will create clear career-development paths and focus on long-term skills and recruitment to provide more high-quality jobs in rural areas.
Upon launch of the charter, Tavish Scott, the then-incoming Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, hailed the document as “momentous” and “ground-breaking”.

Mr Scott said: “We already have an incredibly good environmental story to tell with a low carbon footprint, low freshwater use and great feed conversion rates. But, by publishing this document today, we declare our commitment to go further and meet even more exacting standards in the years to come.”

Mr Scott added: “We lead the world in many aspects of farming salmon. We also enjoy a well-deserved global reputation for producing the world’s best salmon. But this document shows our commitment to stay out in front, evolving the way we farm to make sure our environmental and sustainability credentials remain the best in the world.”

Progress update published in 2023

In early 2023, Salmon Scotland published an update on the charter, in the form of the 2022 annual report. This progress update covered each of the 40 individual commitments the sector made back in 2020.

Click here to read the 2022 Annual Report.