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COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • NOVEMBER 2017


“Incorporating transparency into everything we do.”


Farmers and ranchers are increasingly distanced from consumers as more people question the source of their food. Organizations must share information - both positive and negative - that is accurate, easily understood and relevant to consumers.


BC Salmon Farmers’ Association (BCSFA) has been working for over 30 years to build consumer trust and confidence by incorporating transparency into everything they do – but it didn’t get that way overnight.


Rocky Boschmann Managing Director, Grieg Seafood B.C.


Member of BC Salmon Farmers’ Association


Q: Transparency. Public Trust. 


familiar with these terms. What role    the farmer?


A: We are very open about our business and work to help people understand how we are raising salmon and how we are part of feeding a growing population. Our farm staff are all involved in hosting tours throughout the spring and summer, as well, we and other farming companies donate over 10,000lbs of salmon to many community events and charities – working with chefs to help people taste how great our salmon is. When people know where their food comes from, how it is raised, and the effort that goes in all the way from egg


to plate...it does create confi dence.


Q:  


  


A: The incident in Washington state was very unfortunate and it has resulted in many people asking us about how our farms are moored and anchored, and about what happens when Atlantic salmon escape into the Pacifi c. B.C. salmon farms follow rigid practices and we have been very open and transparent in discussing the investment and upgrades we have made to our farming equipment, how we are always prepared for the highest possible seas and current at each location and why containment of our stock is such a


high priority. This is an opportunity to work even closer with regulators and partners to continue improving and standardizing practices.


Q:  


    


A: Salmon aquaculture is a relatively new industry globally and here in B.C. – really since the early 1980’s we’ve been raising salmon in netpens – and it has required a great deal of stakeholder and public engagement, as well as effort to build understanding of how we are operating. So I think it is fair to say that public trust has been a core activity of the BCSFA since we started but it required our entire sector to be on-board. Together, we agreed that continued success meant that consumer trust was seen as priority and supported. The whole industry stepped up their game and it changed how we engaged with the public in a positive way.


Q:  


  


A: We have been hosting farm tours for many groups and the public for many years now. We are involved with over 300 community organizations and charities, and over the past 20 years, have worked to establish agreements with most of the


First Nations whose traditional territories we operate in. Over time our programs have become more robust, our community partnerships have moved to a deeper level and through time and effort we’ve become core components of the community.


Q:  Agriculture Council (BCAC) this


   another?


A: We are farmers, just like people raising chickens, swine, or cattle – we all face similar challenges and opportunities, and together we’re all part of feeding B.C. and the world. We look forward to carrying a shared message with the BCAC that improves the business conditions of all farmers and allows us all to contribute more to the B.C. economy.


Q:  





A: Recognize that this is an ongoing journey and one that must be core to your business. People today want to know about the food they eat, how it’s raised, the practices, and why it’s a good nutritious choice for them – be open, honest and transparent.


Learn more about the BCSFA and the aquaculture industry by visiting:


www.bcsalmonfarmers.ca


Building public trust is a long-term, generational journey and commitment to continuous improvement.


BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is leading an industry collaboration to bridge information gaps, understand and address concerns, and build trust between B.C.’s aqua/agri-food community and it’s residents. To learn more, visit: www.bcac.ca


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