The recent posting of draft standards for organic farmed salmon has raised some questions about the certification process and its applicability to the BC finfish aquaculture industry.
The document is right now undergoing public review and feedback is being welcomed by the Canadian General Standards Board as they work through the process towards a final policy document. To comment, check out the draft document and fill out the feedback form found here.
Two of the BC Salmon Farmers Association's members have been involved in the organic standards development process for years. For them, this certification could recognize significant work they've done in the production methods used to raise salmon.
Like terrestrial agriculture, organic certification would only be an option for a small percentage of BC's salmon production. It is really a label that could only be granted to niche producers - estimated, depending on what a final draft of the regulations looks like - to be about 1 per cent of the province's total.
We see real opportunity for some of our producers through a strong organic certification process. BC's salmon farmers agree that any organic standard needs to be a strong one with clear criteria that are available to the public. Consumer confidence is what makes certifications effective.
Whether they're certified as organic or not though, all salmon farming companies are growing a good quality, healthy food product - One that is more highly regulated than any other food production in the province. With a strong market for BC farm-fresh salmon, there is certainly room for products of all varieties.
