ASC raises concerns over Norway’s proposed resource rent tax on farmed salmon

NORWAY – The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has vehemently opposed Norway’s proposed resource rent tax on farmed salmon, trout, and rainbow trout. 

The tax explicitly targets ASC-certified salmon and imposes an additional charge of NOK 2.00 (US$ 0.18) per kilogram. 

In a letter to the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, ASC CEO Chris Ninnes highlighted several concerns regarding the consultation process, the complexity of the tax mechanisms, and the potential negative impact on sustainable aquaculture practices.

ASC has criticised the Norwegian government for failing to include the organisation in the consultation process despite explicitly referencing ASC in the proposal. 

The council was only informed of the tax plan on January 21, 2025, four days after the consultation period had closed. 

This information was obtained informally through industry partners rather than directly from the government.

Further raising concerns about governance, ASC was not invited to key consultation meetings held on January 28 and 29. Ninnes stated that this exclusion not only disadvantages ASC but also calls into question the legitimacy and transparency of the entire process. 

Due to the lack of direct communication, ASC had to rely on secondary sources, such as a publicly available report from law firm Wiersholm, to analyse the proposal’s details.

Potential risks of the tax proposal

One of ASC’s primary concerns is that the tax plan fails to consider the market dynamics of certified salmon. The price premium associated with ASC-certified fish is often used as a negotiation tool and fluctuates based on market conditions. 

Establishing a fixed tax rate could lead to miscalculations, increasing bureaucratic complexity and financial risks for salmon producers.

Beyond taxation concerns, ASC warns that the proposed measure could severely affect Norway’s aquaculture industry. 

The additional cost on ASC-certified fish may discourage Norwegian farmers from seeking certification despite the recognised environmental and social benefits associated with responsible aquaculture practices.

“By putting an additional tax on ASC-certified fish, the proposal sends the wrong message to the market and effectively punishes farms that choose to operate responsibly,” the letter states.

The organisation fears that the tax could prompt some farms to halt their certification process and reduce investments in research and development. Due to the potential financial burden, several farms have already reconsidered their certification status. 

This could hinder ongoing efforts to improve fish welfare, farm management, and environmental sustainability.

The proposal also comes when Norwegian aquaculture faces increasing scrutiny from activists and European retailers over issues such as sea lice infestations and high fish mortality rates. Adding an extra tax burden could create further financial instability within the industry.

In response to these concerns, ASC has formally requested a meeting with the Norm Pricing Council and project leaders to gain access to official documents and discuss the broader implications of the tax. 

The organisation also demands immediate inclusion in all future consultations to ensure its expertise and feedback are considered in shaping Norway’s aquaculture taxation policies.

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