As it plans to expand across the Midwest, Superior Fresh just upped the value of its farmed Atlantic salmon by obtaining non-GMO certification.
The Hixton, Wisconsin, U.S.A.-based aquaponics producer of organic leafy greens and farmed salmon is the first company to offer salmon that is Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World.
Certified Non-GMO by AGW guarantees food is produced without the use of genetically modified feed, supplements or ingredients, and comes from animals raised according to higher animal welfare standards using sustainable agriculture methods, the company said in a press release. AGW’s Salmon Welfare Standards incorporate the United Kingdom’s RSPCA's higher welfare salmon standards.
“With the FDA recently approving genetically modified salmon, and the inability of the government to inspect all imported seafood, we want our customers to be confident in our brand and products,” Superior Fresh President Brandon Gottsacker told SeafoodSource. “With the inability to receive USDA Organic [certification for] seafood, we want to assure our customers that we have the highest standards for our salmon.”
Superior Fresh’s primary market stretches across the upper Midwest from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, and its salmon is sold in retailers such as Festival Foods and Metcalfe's. But the company is seeking to extend its footprint following an expansion of its fish house from 40,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet, according to Gottsacker. Starting in the second quarter of 2021, Superior Fresh will be harvesting 25,000 pounds of fresh Atlantic salmon weekly, allowing it to expand throughout the Midwest, he said.
Along with our fish-house expansion, Superior Fresh is currently expanding a six-acre greenhouse to 13 acres of production with expanded product lines, Gottsacker added.
“The nutrient-rich water from our fish-house expansion will provide organic nutrients for five million pounds per year of healthy, safe, organic vegetables,” Gottsacker said.
Meanwhile, AGW has received a number of inquiries, both in the U.S. and internationally, after announcing that Superior Fresh obtained non-GMO certification.
“We anticipate the demand from producers to continue to grow in response to the increased consumer demand for verified non-GMO products,” AGW’s Director of Communications and Outreach Emily Moose told SeafoodSource.
While there are other non-GMO certified salmon from organizations such as the Non-GMO Project, Moose said AGW’s Salmon Welfare Standards and non-GMO requirements are more rigorous. While Non-GMO Project allows up to five percent inclusion of GMO material, AGW allows only 0.9 percent.
“We recognize these higher standards to be more in line with what consumers expect in terms of transparency, clarity and truth in labeling, and we are proud to offer our certified producers a way to communicate these values,” Moose said.
Photo courtesy of Superior Fresh
