Riverence, largest US trout farmer, achieves ASC certification

The largest trout producers in the U.S. – Riverence Provisions LLC and Riverence Farms LLC – have achieved the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.

Boise, Idaho-based Riverence Farms operates six grow-out farms primarily raising steelhead and golden rainbow trout, while Riverence Provisions is made up of eight grow-out farms raising rainbow trout. The eggs for these trout come directly from Riverence’s recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facilities in Washington state. Collectively, these companies produce more than 22 million pounds (10,000 metric tons) of fish annually and employ over 300 team members.

“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,” Riverence Group CEO Rob Young said. “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.”

Riverence Provisions processes, packages, markets, sells, and distributes trout bought from Riverence Farms LLC, and subsidiaries Blind Canyon Aquaranch Inc. and JW Bill Jones Jr. Trout Farm, which have both also achieved ASC certification. Among its clients are restaurants and retail grocers including H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Giant Foods, Ingles Markets, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, and New Seasons Markets.

“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,” Riverence Provisions Vice President of Sustainability Todd English said. “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.”

ASC is an independent nonprofit organization aiming to certify environmentally sustainable and socially responsible aquaculture fisheries through a set of standards. These standards include requirements covering water quality, responsible sourcing of feed, disease prevention, animal welfare, the fair treatment and pay of workers, and positive impacts on local communities. Becoming certified under ASC includes independent assessment of each requirement in the standard.

“Through the value of third-party certification, Riverence Provisions LLC and Riverence Farms LLC, along with J.W. Bill Jones Jr Trout Farm and Blind Canyon Aquaranch Inc., are demonstrating what’s new and next in aquaculture. 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,” ASC CEO Chris Ninnes said. "I am pleased to recognize their certification in the United States, where we can support and communicate their best practices in responsible aquaculture to seafood diners and shoppers nationwide.”

Photo courtesy of Riverence