The two Idaho-based businesses, along with their two trusted contract farmers, Blind Canyon Aqua Ranch and JW Bill Jones Jr Trout Farm, are the first and only American trout farms now certified under ASC’s globally recognised certification and labelling programme.
Riverence Farms primarily raises steelhead trout on its six grow-out farms in Gooding and Jerome counties, while Riverence Provisions primarily raises rainbow trout on its eight grow-out farms in Gooding and Twin Falls counties. Collectively, Riverence Farms and Riverence Provisions employ over 300 local team members and currently produce more than 10,000 tonnes each year.
“Idaho’s Magic Valley is truly a rare and magical place. Its unique geography provides enough spring water to raise clean, fresh fish responsibly while minimizing our impact on the environment,” said Rob Young, CEO of the Riverence Group, in a press release.
“We’re dedicated to this land and the gift of clear spring water that the Magic Valley provides. We view it as our responsibility to take good care of the resources we have, doing more while using fewer resources, and providing a safe, premium food source that will serve humanity for generations to come. We are proud to now have this work certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.”
ASC’s sea green label can only appear on seafood from farms that - like Riverence Provisions and Riverence Farms - have been independently assessed and certified as environmentally and socially responsible.
“This was not easy. It’s a long, thorough and exhausting process to provide the necessary information and achievements required to earn ASC’s strict certification, but it’s also incredibly important to provide that level of assurance to our customers,” said Todd English, vice president of sustainability at Riverence Provisions. “That’s because we consider our trout and farming practices to be the gold standard of American quality and responsible production. We’re proud to have our ethos and farming innovations validated by the world’s leading aquaculture certification and labeling program.”
“Through the value of third-party certification, Riverence Provisions LLC and Riverence Farms LLC along with JW Bill Jones Jr Trout Farm and Blind Canyon Aquaranch Inc. are demonstrating what’s new and next in aquaculture,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council. “Their companies and teams have shown dedication to pushing the quality and production practices of farm-raised trout consistently higher while also tending with great care and concern to their communities, employees, water and land.”
“I am pleased to recognise their certification in the United States,” Ninnes continued, “where we can support and communicate their best practices in responsible aquaculture to seafood diners and shoppers nationwide.”
