France approves 10,000-tonne Pure Salmon facility

FRANCE – French authorities have granted environmental authorisation for Pure Salmon’s planned 10,000-tonne land-based salmon farm in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, marking a major regulatory milestone for the project, which will operate under the name Saumon du Médoc.

The authorisation was granted on 3 August 2026, following the building permit issued in June, a positive public inquiry and a favourable opinion from CODERST, the Departmental Council for the Environment and Health and Technological Risks, on 2 July.

The facility will use recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology to produce salmon in a controlled land-based environment. 

Pure Salmon said the project will draw on operational experience from its facilities in Japan, which began live biological operations in May 2026.

“The granting of this environmental authorisation is the culmination of a rigorous review process carried out in close cooperation with government departments and local stakeholders,” said Stéphane Farouze, Founder of Pure Salmon and 8F Asset Management.

He said the approval completes the project’s step-by-step regulatory process and strengthens the company’s long-term connection with the Médoc region.

Facility to use fish-processing by-products in feed

Feed is a key element of Pure Salmon’s sustainability strategy for the French project. 

The company plans to use fish-processing by-products as the source of marine ingredients, including fishmeal and fish oil, rather than fish caught specifically for feed production.

The facility is also designed to produce salmon without antibiotics while managing local natural resources through controlled, land-based production.

Pure Salmon said the project will create around 250 jobs in Pointe du Médoc and contribute to France’s food sovereignty by producing salmon domestically. 

Salmon is the most widely consumed fish in France, according to the company.

The project will include an integrated processing plant, allowing the salmon’s production cycle and processing activities to be located in France.

Launched in 2022, Saumon du Médoc is intended to produce salmon through its entire life cycle in France while providing an alternative to conventional sea-based salmon farming.

Pure Salmon said the project remains subject to continued dialogue with local stakeholders and compliance with requirements established by French authorities.

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