Marin Organic is excited to announce its newest program “Salmon Safe”– a certification program designed to verify local producers’ environmental stewardship of waterways and riparian habitats. The program is the result of an exciting partnership between Marin Organic and Salmon Safe Oregon, in collaboration with the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin.

Twelve properties have been certified in Marin this year, including Star Route Farms, Blackberry Farm, Green Gulch Farm, Slide Ranch, Drake's Bay Family Farms, Paradise Valley, Fresh Run Farm, La Tercera and Commonweal Gardens. Through the program, Marin Organic offers certification to Marin producers, technical assistance to meet the strict guidelines if needed, and incentives in the form of a recognizable label which designates a product as grown with the health of local waterways and their residents in mind. The program is not just for organic producers, but any producer that uses non-toxic, integrated pest management practices.

Many individuals and groups, such as the Salmon Protection And Watershed Network (SPAWN), have been working for years to protect the rivers and streams of Marin County and restore riparian habitat in an effort to foster the return of the salmon to Marin County. The Salmon Safe program is a means of verifying that Marin agricultural producers are doing their part as well.

“This program demonstrates that collaborative efforts and mutual understanding can result in an improved environment, farming viability, habitat improvements, enhancement of biodiversity, and the protection of threatened and endangered species,” Marin Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen said.

To support this program and the return of Coho salmon and Steelhead trout to Marin County, look for the Marin Organic Salmon Safe label at Farmers' Markets, restaurants, and natural food stores throughout Marin. For questions about Salmon Safe certification and more information, please contact the Marin Organic office at 415/663-9667.

For more information about Salmon Safe Oregon, please visit their website at www.salmonsafe.org

For more information about the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin and their work in supporting the return of the wild salmon to Marin County, please visit their website at www.eacmarin.org