Introducing Salmon Safe Eco-labeling to Green Pea/Wheat Growers in Eastern Oregon

Salmon-Safe was founded in 1996 and has focused on transitioning more than 300 farms and more than 60,000 acres to practices that protect water quality and native biodiversity, while building marketplace presence for ecologically sustainable farm products. Salmon-Safe has a strong presence in the Walla Walla Valley being closely aligned with Oregon LIVE and Vinea, two viticulture sustainability groups. The Valley is traversed by several salmon bearing rivers including the Walla Walla River. Agricultural settlements are commonplace along these waterways and most of these farming entities are utilizing pesticides of one form or another. Some of these pesticides are harmful to aquatic life and end up in the streams and rivers. Minimizing the impact of these chemicals by limiting their use is paramount. Supportive efforts by the  author have seen the major expansion of wine grape acreage to Salmon Safe resulting in approximately 1800 acres (70% of total acreage) being certified. In addition, the  author has also helped local Apple growers become Salmon Safe certified by establishing standards for pesticide usage in apples. Currently, there are more than 1500 acres (60% of total acreage) of Salmon Safe apples certified in the Walla Walla Valley. Recent efforts have concentrated on introducing new green pea/ wheat growers to Salmon Safe. Standards have been established for these growers and initial audits have been performed. As a result, Salmon Safe have conditionally certified >18,000 acres of green pea/ wheat farmland in Umatilla County. Novel efforts to incentivize growers will be presented.