Salmon-Safe Label Supports Puget Sound Farmers
By Larry Nussbaum, Program Director, Stewardship Partners

In an effort to demonstrate that healthy, sustainable agriculture and productive fish and wildlife habitat are mutually supportive goals, Stewardship Partners, a Seattle-based conservation organization, has brought Salmon-Safe farm certification to the watersheds of the Puget Sound basin.

Salmon-Safe is a third party labeling program that evaluates and recognizes farm operations in a variety of sectors (orchards, vineyards, dairies, vegetable growers, etc.) that are adopting water quality and habitat conservation practices benefiting native salmon and overall watershed health. The program was founded in Oregon in the late 1990s where it has had a successful track record with over 100 landowners certified (approximately 35,000 acres) and demonstrated success with public education and consumer marketing. The program has received national recognition, including a highly favorable review by Consumers Union.

The certification assessment focuses on the degree to which a farm’s operations are compatible with best management practices for avoiding harm to stream ecosystems. The guidelines require farms to protect riparian and wetland areas, use irrigation efficiency and water conservation measures, control erosion and sedimentation, utilize natural soil fertility and pest control methods in lieu of harmful chemicals, control animal impacts, and incorporate practices that enhance on-farm biodiversity. The on-site inspections are conducted by independent assessors whose expertise includes both sustainable agriculture and aquatic conservation. Once certified, a farm is able to use the Salmon-Safe logo as well as marketing and promotional materials such as point-of-purchase hang tags, farm stand banners, stickers, and farm signs to distinguish their operation and gain positive recognition in the marketplace.

Stewardship Partners is building on the momentum of the Salmon-Safe program to promote conservation and restoration practices of agricultural producers throughout Puget Sound and encourage their participation in regional salmon recovery efforts. To date, over 30 Puget Sound farms have been certified Salmon-Safe, in-store promotions have taken place at several area grocery stores, and a variety of marketing activities have occurred at public and farming related events and through print and radio advertising. The program and the participating farms have received media coverage both in regional and national newspapers. Two Skagit farms, Hedlin Farms and Mother Flight Farm, have been certified Salmon-Safe and several others have expressed interest in the program.

Stewardship Partners’ plans for expanding the program include developing local partnerships with farmers, organizations, and agencies involved in collaborative watershed conservation. Utilizing the iconic symbol of Northwest native salmon to build regional branding identity for local environmentally oriented farms, the Salmon-Safe program has great potential to support the economic viability of fish-friendly farming by tapping into the growing consumer demand for local, sustainable food. For more information about the program see www.stewardshippartners.org.