For most farm operations, Salmon-Safe certification focuses on erosion prevention and soil management measures, fertilizer usage, integrated pest management practices, and conservation of native biodiversity. In the case of dairies, inspections include riparian area management, erosion and sediment controls, and manure management. Irrigation practices, erosion control and cover crops, and minimizing pesticide demand are key factors in our work with fruit and vegetable growers.

Salmon-Safe certification inspections and evaluations are conducted by independent consultants who evaluate the extent to which a candidate farm's management practices impact water quality and stream ecosystem health. In Oregon and Washington, Salmon-Safe has contracted with Agroecology Northwest, a sustainable agriculture consulting group that specializes in farm planning and assessment.

Farms that participate in Salmon-Safe are asked to pay the cost of their initial field assessment and subsequent verification visits, which typically start at $250, depending on the farms size and location. Salmon-Safe also seeks outside funding to subsidize certification and marketing costs in targeted watersheds like the Applegate River basin in Oregon.

Please contact us for more information about our certification programs or to schedule a farm visit.