Special to the Westerly News The Kuterra farm, the first landbased commercial Atlantic salmon farm in North America, has just brought to market Canada's first Atlantic salmon raised on land.
Kuterra LP, owned by the 'Namgis First Nation, was founded to offer a sustainable alternative to conventionally farmed salmon, said a press release.
"The effects of conventional farming on the marine environment are very real to us," says 'Namgis Chief Bill Cranmer. "This enterprise shows the way forward for the industry. It also fits with our economic plans and with our history as a fishing and trading people."
Kuterra sustainable Atlantic salmon is being marketed by Albion Fisheries, Ltd.
"Albion is an industry leader in sustainability," says Albion CEO John Milobar. "Kuterra Atlantic salmon takes seafood sustainability to a new level, and -thanks to growing market demand and exceptional quality fish -Kuterra shows all the signs of becoming a commercial success."
The first harvest is being sold through Safeway stores across British Columbia and Alberta.
"We are honoured that Safeway stores will offer the first Kuterra salmon to consumers in Canada," says Chuck Mulvenna, President of Operations, Safeway, Sobeys Inc."Today's announcement is a key step toward our company's commitment to source all fresh and frozen seafood from sustainable sources. This important partnership with Albion Fisheries allows us to provide another sustainable option for our customers in 140 Safeway seafood departments in Western Canada" With the start of retail sales, Kuterra LP said they're a step closer to achieving its three goals. "We want to dispel myths about land-based salmon aquaculture, we want to make a healthy profit, and we want to be a model of sustainable business and job creation," says Kuterra CEO Garry Ullstrom.
"Our success will help catalyze the evolution of the industry, and meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable seafood."