NOVEMBER 2007: AROUND THE STATE
Soon to be
shuckin’ certified organic oysters?
OREGON COAST The
Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association is taking its
environmental policy worldwide, with help from the World
Wildlife Fund and Portland-based Food Alliance. There is
currently no group in the United States that can certify
shellfish as sustainable or organic, although the PCSGA adopted
its own environmental policy several years ago. “Growers
consider themselves stewards of the environment they work
in,” says Robin Downey, executive director of PCSGA.
In an effort to put more value behind what it already
considers basic farming practices of its members, PCSGA
enlisted the WWF to set international standards for
environmental and social sustainability. “Whatever
standards they hold up will probably be considered the gold
standards,” explains Downey. The PCSGA and WWF convened a
mollusk dialogue in Welches last month to work toward this
goal. The problem lies in finding an expert third party that
can certify shellfish according to the standards, which will
address interaction with both marine and upland environments,
management principles, efficiency, employee training, waste and
local involvement.
Enter the Food Alliance, which has been setting standards and
certifying food organic or sustainable for 10 years. The three
groups could agree on standards as soon as next year, at which
time Food Alliance executive director Scott Exo hopes to be on
the ground, certifying shellfish.
Besides the environmental benefits, Downey says a sustainable
certification is just good business. “In order to compete
in the global marketplace, growers have to have this kind of
option.” A sustainable seal could boost the $1.2 million
Oregon oyster industry, she says.
Mark Wiegardt, owner of the Whiskey Creek Hatchery in Netarts,
is unsure the certification is necessary, as growers are having
no trouble selling their product as it is. But he agrees that
instilling consumer confidence is important, which the
certification can do, and that it may boost international
sales. “Anything that certifies your product as being
safe is beneficial,” he
says.
AMBER NOBE
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