Huon Wins Major Tasmanian Seafood Industry Award

Huon Aquaculture is the largest private salmon farm in Australia, with about 400 employees. Its fish are nurtured in a stress-free environment, using sustainable farming systems.

"Through our innovation and investment strategies and funding, the Tasmanian Government has been a strong supporter of the aquaculture industry," Mr O'Byrne said.

"We know that sustainable, premium industries like aquaculture are crucial for diversifying our local economy. That's why it's a priority industry in our Economic Development Plan.

"Congratulations to Huon Aquaculture for this outstanding achievement.

The Award recognises Huons excellence in the production of high quality seafood product, improved fishing /farming practices, innovation, promotion of a positive industry image and overall contribution to the industry.

Huon Aquaculture Group Director Frances Bender said the organisation changed the method used for transportation of harvested fish in 2010, with the aims of improving handling practices and minimising costs.

Huon opened its new processing facility at Parramatta Creek near Latrobe in April 2010, which houses state-of-the-art processing equipment allowing us to process fish harvested from sea farm sites in the Huon region and from the new farm located in Macquarie Harbour, Ms Bender said.
Employing approximately 50 staff on a permanent full-time basis in a region that has historically struggled to maintain employment levels, the Parramatta Creek facility now provides stable employment and supports a number of local businesses and contractors.

Shortly after the facility opened, Huon was awarded British Retail Consortium (BRC) certification an internationally recognised benchmark for best practice in the food industry and a stamp that retailers rely on globally.

The BRC certification is audited against 332 strict guidelines and we have complied with all of these, including employee safety, waste disposal, quality control in packaging and shipping and the provision of traceability.

The Awards, held in Hobart on Saturday, were attended by 150 seafood industry stakeholders, including representatives from the wild fisheries, aquaculture, post harvest, management, environment and research sectors.

The evening was officially opened by the Deputy Premier Bryan Green, who noted the very important role the seafood industry plays within Tasmania.

Huon Aquaculture fresh and smoked salmon is available from Woolworths, quality independents, fishmongers and delicatessens nationally.