Irish Sea Salt Producers Association

Our Principles

Representation

The Association represents Irish sea salt producers and provides a collective voice for the sector.
We engage with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry organisations to ensure that the interests of Irish sea salt producers are understood and respected.

Promotion

We promote the value of sea salt and its role in food, culture, and coastal economies.
Through education and outreach, the Association helps people better understand the importance of natural sea salt and the craft behind its production.

Protection of Heritage

Traditional sea salt harvesting is part of coastal heritage.
The Association supports and defends traditional production methods, including hand-harvesting and small-scale artisanal techniques that have been practiced in coastal communities for generations.

Sustainability

Sea salt production depends on healthy seas and coastal ecosystems.
The Association encourages responsible practices that respect the marine environment and support the preservation of coastal landscapes, salt marshes, and biodiversity.

Standards

Maintaining trust and quality is essential for the future of Irish sea salt.
The Association works toward the development of clear definitions, production guidelines, and quality standards that protect the identity and authenticity of Irish sea salt.

 

The Irish Sea Salt Producers Association brings together producers who harvest sea salt from Irish waters using natural and responsible methods. 

 

Our aim is simple:

to support producers, protect traditional craft, and promote the value of Irish sea salt both nationally and internationally. 

 

From the wild Atlantic coast to the calm waters of the Irish Sea, our members share a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the preservation of coastal heritage. 

 

Our Mission

The Association exists to:

  • Represent Irish sea salt producers

  • Promote the cultural and culinary value of Irish sea salt

  • Encourage sustainable harvesting from Irish waters

  • Support traditional and innovative production methods

  • Establish standards that protect the quality and identity of Irish sea salt

By working together, producers can strengthen the recognition of Ireland as a source of exceptional sea salt. 

 

Our Vision

We believe that Ireland has the natural conditions and coastal heritage to become recognised as one of the world's distinctive sea salt regions.

Our vision is to build a trusted national network that celebrates craftsmanship, protects the marine environment, and helps Irish producers thrive in domestic and international markets. 

 

Supporting Irish Coastal Heritage

Sea salt production is more than a product — it is a relationship with the sea.

Traditional sea salt farming relies on natural elements such as wind, sun, and seawater. These methods often support fragile coastal ecosystems including salt marshes and wetlands.

The Association promotes practices that respect both the sea and the landscapes where sea salt is produced. 

Membership 

Members benefit from:

  • industry representation

  • shared research and knowledge

  • promotion of Irish sea salt nationally and internationally

  • participation in collective initiatives and standards

Membership is open to Irish sea salt producers who harvest salt from Irish waters.

By joining the Association, producers become part of a network committed to collaboration, shared knowledge, and the promotion of Irish sea salt.

Jack N Guinan


The Future of Irish Sea Salt

Ireland's coastal waters offer a unique opportunity to develop a respected and sustainable sea salt sector.

Through cooperation, shared knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, the Irish Sea Salt Producers Association aims to ensure that Irish sea salt becomes recognised for its quality, authenticity, and connection to the sea.

Certification & Standards 

The Association is working toward the development of recognised production standards for Irish sea salt.

These standards will support:

  • transparency in production methods

  • protection of authentic Irish sea salt

  • consumer confidence

  • international recognition of Irish producers

A certification mark may be introduced in the future to identify sea salt produced according to these standards.

 Ireland is surrounded by some of the cleanest and most dynamic coastal waters in Europe. From the wild Atlantic shoreline to the calmer waters of the Irish Sea, these environments provide exceptional natural conditions for sea salt production. In recent years, a new generation of Irish producers has begun to rediscover and develop the craft of harvesting sea salt from our coastal waters. These producers share a commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the sea. However, as the sector grows, it becomes increasingly important to create a collective voice that can support producers, promote Irish sea salt, and protect the integrity of the craft. The Irish Sea Salt Producers Association was established to bring producers together, encourage collaboration, and help build recognition for Irish sea salt both at home and internationally. By working together, Irish sea salt producers can strengthen the reputation of their products, support coastal heritage, and ensure that the future of sea salt production in Ireland is built on quality, sustainability, and shared knowledge.

The Irish Sea Salt Charter


The sea has shaped Ireland's shores, its communities, and its traditions for centuries. From ancient coastal settlements to modern producers, the relationship between people and the sea has always been central to Irish life.

Sea salt is one of the most elemental expressions of that relationship — the meeting of ocean, wind, and sun transformed through care, patience, and craft.

The Irish Sea Salt Producers Association was established to support those who harvest sea salt from Irish waters and to promote the responsible development of this unique coastal craft.

Our charter is founded on a shared commitment:

  • to honour the sea and the coastal landscapes that sustain sea salt production

  • to support the community of Irish sea salt producers

  • to protect traditional knowledge while encouraging responsible innovation

  • to uphold quality and authenticity in Irish sea salt

  • to promote Ireland as a place of exceptional natural sea salt

Through cooperation and shared purpose, we seek to ensure that Irish sea salt continues to reflect the purity of our waters, the character of our coasts, and the dedication of those who harvest it.