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Recognition and Certification
Recognition and Certification programs reward producers for pursuing conservation activities. Some local governments have these types of programs. Several private organizations administer certification programs for forestry and agriculture, and a few private recognition programs exist.
The following are among the best known statewide recognition and certification programs in Washington.
Food Alliance
Food Alliance operates a voluntary certification and eco-labeling program based on standards developed to define socially and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
Northwest Certified Forestry
Northwest Certified Forestry is a program of the Northwest Natural Resource Group. It connects buyers of wood products to foresters who have achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification—the highest standard in sustainable forest management.
Organic Certification
Organic certification is one of the most well known programs. Administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, it requires producers to integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster the cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
The Salmon-Safe Label
Organized by Stewardship Partners, the Salmon-Safe label shows consumers that an agricultural product was grown with salmon in mind. Stewardship Partners works with farmers to promote sustainable practices that protect water quality and habitat for native salmon as well as other fish and wildlife. Dozens of agricultural products from now carry this label.
Stewardship Forests
The Forest Stewardship Program of the Department of Natural Resources offers a “Stewardship Forest” recognition sign and certificate for those who are actively implementing their Forest Stewardship Plan.
Vim Wright Stewardship Award
The Vim Wright Stewardship Award is sponsored by Farming and the Environment to honor farmers and ranchers whose stewardship practices are protecting the quality of our food and the long-term health of Washington's ecosystems. The award publicly recognizes and financially rewards Washington state stewardship farmers.