Organic Labeling For Salmon
While searching for ways to market Alaskan wild salmon, a new idea came about in early 2000: organic–labeling. What could be more wholesome than wild salmon raised on the natural bounty of the ocean? According to current regulations, that would be farmed salmon because every aspect of the farmed salmon’s life is controlled. Alaskan wild salmon live in pure oceans and eat zooplankton, small fish, and squid; it is unknown if the salmon encounter any pollutants. Because of this, Diane Joy Goodman, a California consultant to organic food producers, argues, “Wild creatures can’t and shouldn’t automatically qualify as organic. ... ” Current regulations for organic labeling apply to land products: fruits, vegetables, and livestock. Having an organic label for wild salmon will help the Alaskan fishermen promote the marketing of their harvest. Presently, labeling wild-caught salmon as organic is unallowable, but that regulation is another step closer to being changed. An article in the Anchorage Daily News stated that “wild-caught fish may soon have a new label: organic. Senators Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski introduced legislation that would allow Alaskan salmon and other wild-fish products to be labeled organic food.