Iceland land farmer achieves 5kg export landmark

First Water says it has become one of the first land-based aquaculture companies worldwide to achieve the milestone of offering such a sought-after product onto the global stage.

The entire harvest had already been sold to buyers in the United States and Europe.

During the summer First Water commissioned its first 25-metre covered land-based tanks, four of which – out of a planned eight – are now in full operation. These tanks enable the company to produce salmon of the highest quality and provide customers with a consistent, year-round supply.

The company (formerly known as Landeldi hf.) said construction at its site has progressed well over recent months.

It has invested around 56 million euros (£48m) this year in tanks, equipment, and other infrastructure.

The first of six planned phases is expected to be completed in 2027, with each phase designed to deliver a production capacity of around 10,000 tons of gutted salmon.

The company said: “The grow-out tanks now in use are covered and equipped with the most advanced technology available.

“Their closed design has proven highly effective, minimising the impact of external stress factors such as storms, birds, and noise, while also reducing the risk of outside contamination and pathogens.

“The purity of the lava filtered seawater used in production is unique, ensuring both reduced operational risk and consistent product quality.”

The company has also installed a powerful water purification system that guarantees the operation returns seawater cleaner than the natural seawater off the coast of Þorlákshöfn. This makes First Water’s salmon production among the most sustainable and environmentally friendly methods available, the company says.