Food Safety By iPura®

5th Annual iPura Tweet & Blogfest with Triple Pundit

2015-03-02T12:32:00.004-08:00

iPura's 2015 social media campaign to bring awareness to seafood issues including sustainability and health generated several in-depth articles. Two bloggers split the $1,000 grand prize and garnered publication in Triple Pundit as part of its series on the issues that impact consumers worldwide.

2015 Co-Champions

Ret Talbot - Good Catch Blog

Richard Auffrey - The Passionate Foodie

How time flies in the world of social media and sustainable seafood! In 2011, we launched a campaign at the International Boston Seafood Show to inspire local bloggers to attend the 3-day show attended by thousands of industry professionals from around the world and compete for a $1,000 prize tweeting and blogging about the event and issues of interest. Hard to believe, but this will be our 5th Annual contest!

Now called the Seafood Expo North America, the global trade show will surpass 200,00 square feet of exhibition space for the first time ever, filling the Boston Convention Center with the most delicious seafood you can imagine as vendors display their latest, newest and best products for the new season. As North America's most important venue for the multi-billion dollar seafood trade, Seafood Expo draws stakeholders from the worlds of retail, distribution, finance and conservation, serving as a meeting place for major deal-making and announcements.

We have watched the topic of sustainability grow in importance and are always excited to see the developments and progress. Our Tweet and Blogfest has encouraged bloggers to become engaged with the subject and reach out to their respective audiences, and this year is no exception. Past contests have featured prizes by GLOBALG.A.P. and GAA Aquaculture, two of the world's leading standards-setters for aquaculture.

In addition to this year's top prize of U.S. $1,000.00 awarded by iPura, several of the best articles created for the contest by bloggers will be featured in Triple Pundit, which has grown to become one of the world's leading websites on ethical, sustainable and profitable business practices. With over 400K unique monthly readers, bloggers featured in this new media publication are certain to reach many of the most dedicated influencers and passionate individuals striving to make an impact on the triple bottom line of "People, Planet, Profit."

We felt strongly then, and still believe it's true even more so today, that sustainability for fisheries both wild and farmed are vital to the future welfare of humankind. We know firsthand the challenges faced and extraordinary number of dedicated professionals working to achieve what appears to be the impossible. Healthy oceans are worth the fight and requires all hands on deck. Even bloggers!

In the first four contests, the "Tweet & Blogfest" has generated hundreds of blog posts, thousands of tweets and millions of impressions! We know it's a drop in the sea, but we are grateful to be part of the conversation with our expertise and this social media communication platform in association at this year's show with Triple Pundit.

Contest Rules:

a. Each participant must blog at least one entry and tweet a minimum of five times about the issues presented at the Seafood Expo North America 2015. Bonus points for higher volume of quality will be awarded. The deadline for the last blog entry, tweet and other social media content including video clips, pics and posts is midnight March 24, 2015.

b Founder of Triple Pundit, Nick Aster, will award the iPura prize and select the articles for publication in his new media outlets.

Winner(s) will be judged on the following:

For blog entries:

Content - choice of subject(s), strength and range of coverage
Creativity/Originality - points awarded for unique, strong voice and perspective
Number of posts - the more posts of quality, the better
Depth - points awarded for swimming below the surface
Quality - overall quality as determined by the judge

For tweets:

Content - highlighting the show's diverse participants and issues
Sharability - volume and content of tweets that are retweeted and shared
Number of tweets - the more tweets of quality, the better

Bonus Points: Additional points will be awarded for integration of other social media channels such as Instagram, Vine, SnapChat, Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or others. While not mandatory, content created for these channels will be factored into the grand total score.

c. The winner of the grand prize receives a $1,000 award from iPura and will be featured in our post-show summary for this blog and possibly other leading publications covering the show, including but not limited to Triple Pundit.

d. Blogger must use #sena15 as the hashtag for tweets so that tweet content can be easily found and assessed in relation to the competition's.

e. There is no obligation to write about iPura. We do ask that the full title of the contest, "5th Annual iPura Tweet & Blogfest with Triple Pundit," be used when referring to the contest.

f. Qualifying bloggers may be given a free entry pass for the show. Go the Seafood Expo website to register as "Press" or contact @bostonseafood on Twitter to request a media registration pass.

g. The awards will be announced the following week or two, and the prize awards sent out thereafter.

To get a feel for the competition, here are posts by defending champ, The Passionate Foodie and a previous year's champion, Myrna Greenfield. The quality of their work shines and inspires.

Follow along on Twitter @iPura and @TriplePundit, and as well as hashtag #SENA15 for a steady stream of tweets and blog posts by the bloggers attending the show. The bloggers' unique voices bring a fresh perspective to the show and inject an endearing energy oft missing from the coverage by industry media types and mainstream publications. You will find their blogs to be engaging, as well, as the Boston area produces many of the nation's finest writers. Reigning champion, Richard Auffrey, will likely return to defend his title, and hopefully, several more will step up to the challenge!

5 Things To Know About Chicken Food Safety

2015-02-24T11:15:00.003-08:00

Source: ARS USDA

June 1, 2015. Mark this day in history as a watershed moment for food production and the use of antibiotics for use in treating humans. The announcement by America's tenth largest poultry producer, Foster Farms, a family-owned California based company taking extraordinary efforts in Food Safety, tips the scale for good. Consumers are the winners here!

Chicken's about to become cleaner and safer, the result of multiple stakeholders converging on the simple fact that raw poultry has been harboring dangerous pathogens for too long. According to the CDC, the strains of Salmonella and Campylobacter found on chicken carcasses are among the most lethal causes of foodborne illness.

The year 2014 will forever be known as the year when chicken changed forever, its inadequate processing systems swept aside by the efforts of government authorities, retail giants and suppliers across the nation.

Here are five developments at the heart of the new, improved chicken on its way to your table:

New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) - Established in 2014 by USDA's FSIS in the wake of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the NPIS places new focus on prevention rather than inspection. The NPIS mandates higher performance with measurable reliability and transparency, giving industry little room for non-compliance.
Walmart Poultry Initiative with CDC - In December 2014, Walmart's "Architect of Food Safety" Frank Yiannas announced that the retail monolith would require suppliers of poultry products to meet new, stringent protocols that exceed even the NPIS mandates.
Antibiotics - Mounting evidence points to the dangers of overuse of antibiotics in the food chain. In response, poultry giants Tyson Foods, Foster Farms and Perdue have announced initiatives to reduce antibiotics in their hatcheries and feed lots. Pew Charitable Trusts and the School Food FOCUS National Procurement Initiative teamed up with a "Standard to Minimize the Overuse of Antibiotics in Poultry" and major restaurants across the nation are announcing initiatives to stop using chickens raised with antibiotics. In early March, McDonald's rocked the food world with news that antibiotics were unwelcome under the golden arches. Tyson Foods joins the party - read the press release here!
UK Example -The UK's Food Standards Agency put the spotlight on contaminated chicken being sold in supermarkets, outraging consumer groups and activists, and alarming industry stakeholders into taking bold action. Several major food companies joined together and announced a new plan to collaborate and improve the safety of their nation's poultry supply. You can track results and progress for reducing Campylobacter here.
New Technology - In the wake of the NPIS and new performance standards, processing plants will have to re-configure their operations to raise the bar and achieve higher efficacy. Sparking innovation and creativity in the industry, this new push for safer chicken will give rise to new platforms and systems that will focus on better sanitation and superior microbial intervention across the supply chain in a holistic effort for transformation. In the UK, Faccenda Foods will implement SonoSteam from Denmark's Force Technology, following trials that made a significant impact on Campylobacter.

"A Bug In The System" by Wil S. Hylton published recently by The New Yorker is a GREAT read on the subject!

Not your parents' chicken? News that may turn out to be great for public health and consumers! Stay tuned!

California Sustainable Seafood Initiative - Ocean Protection Agency

2014-10-02T11:50:00.001-07:00

What is the role of government and spending hard-earned tax dollars? Surely, safeguarding, optimizing and promoting local and shared resources are among the line items on a good budget. Cultivating the conditions for businesses to thrive, too, is also a good idea. More business revenue, more tax revenue, a circle of joy if managed well.

Source: OPC

California's western border, the Pacific Ocean, is home to countless sea creatures and marine resources, contributes billions of dollars to the state's economy and provides recreational opportunities to millions of people each year. Protecting its health, diversity and value to all of us is worth every effort it takes.

A myriad of overlapping agencies teams up to regulate, monitor, administer and manage everything from water quality, fisheries, energy production, commerce, homeland security and more. The California Ocean Protection Act signed into law in 2004 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger established the Ocean Protection Agency, a council of state authorities and private citizens tasked with coordinating activities of the state's agencies overseeing the ocean and coastline, shaping policy and working with Federal officials to maximize available marine resources for the state.

Assembly Bill 1217 establishes the California Sustainable Seafood Initiative and instructs the Ocean Protection Agency to create the conditions and measures necessary to promote third-party certified-sustainable seafood. The state itself will not certify the seafood, but rather work with industry and the acknowledged leaders in sustainability standards and certification, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and others.

The statute calls for four specific actions to help seafood companies:

develop a protocol to guide them on how to become certified
implement a marketing assistance program with the Department of Food and Agriculture
develop a competitive grant and loan program to help fisheries attain certification (when/if funded)
design a label/labels that can be used to identity and promote California-caught seafood

According to Valerie Termini, staff contact for Ocean Protection Agency, the cost of certification schemes is cost-prohibitive to the relatively small fishery operations in California. Rather than spend capital on re-inventing the wheel of establishing standards and a certification program, state officials are contemplating ways to implement AB 1217 without cost to either the budget or artisan fisheries, she reports.

A "California-caught" label could be a powerful marketing campaign and give our state's fishermen a strong tool for competing in the global marketplace. However, a label that certifies product from California ought to be designed and controlled by "the people" rather than by individual companies who may or may not have the best interests of the community and marketplace in mind. Perhaps the state could focus on creating and executing a label that could be used on a voluntary basis at no cost to the producer? Such a label would give "local" food advocates a product to embrace and answer the question, "Where does your food come from?"

A label indicating a food product's geographical location is much different than one that communicates the "sustainability" of that product. AB 1217 is called the California Sustainable Seafood Initiative with the intent of promoting the state's seafood products that meet third-party certified sustainability, so a "California-caught" label does not address the key mission of the bill. However, for a "California-Sustainable" label, its geographical location and transparent traceability of its catch-location would be a key aspect of that label. Taking a two-step approach, first a geographical label, then adding a California-state-defined sustainable component, may be the most prudent way forward with the best results for fishermen in California.

Meanwhile, in the ensuing months, experts working for the University of California system can team up with the state's marine resources agencies to establish a framework for an "equivalence" certification that collates data collected by state officials and programs, compare them to MSC and others, and decide if they meet, exceed or fall short of the "independent" standards organizations. If California's fisheries are being managed well and meet "sustainable" thresholds as defined by NOAA and others, why couldn't producers carry a state-authorized label that indicates such excellence?

Should MSC or other independent certification scheme be the only option for California fishermen? Should the state even dip their toes in these waters? What do you think?

GOAL 2014 - GAA's Aquaculture Seafood Leadership Conference

2014-09-10T10:16:00.003-07:00

Fish farming has been around for thousands of years, meandering along in a quiet, relatively low-tech way to provide locals with a rich source of nutrition. In the past couple decades, however, growing consumer demand coupled with industrial prowess has revolutionized the field and given rise to a narrative that puts profit interests and environmentalists in the same boat for food security. Now responsible for nearly 50% of all seafood consumed, aquaculture is poised to provide up to 67% by 2050 as wild stocks diminish and the global population soars to a projected 9-10 billion people. In fact, aquaculture is the fastest growing form of agriculture in the world.

Sustainability, widely accepted by all stakeholders, is the key to aquaculture's future

Leaders in the industry including producers, retailers, distributors and feed specialists are meeting in Vietnam, October 7-10, for Global Aquaculture Alliance's (GAA) annual Global Outlook for Aquaculture Leadership (GOAL) 2014 to address issues and trends, and to build upon the relationships developed over the years toward making aquaculture more productive and sustainable. Major companies like Cargill, Dardens, ASDA, Tesco, Meijer and many more either sponsor or present workshops at the conference, representing tens of thousands of retail outlets and hundreds of millions in buying power.

An exclusive feature of GOAL 2014 is the production data presentation by representatives from the World Bank and Stavanger University, a global snapshot of species such as shrimp, tilapia, barramundi, milkfish, cobia, Pangasius and several more. In addition, plenary sessions will cover themes like disease risk management, aqua feed sustainability, food safety, leadership, innovation and others with roughly 50 presenters and panelists.

GAA's BAP Seafood Processing Standard - GFSI Recognized!

GOAL was launched in 2001 and has since become a major conference for seafood industry top-tier executive and thought leadership. Vietnam hosted this event in 2005 and again this year, showcasing its importance to the global economy. In 2013, Vietnam exported US $6.72 billion dollars in seafood, a major producer of shrimp and Pangasius with a track record for partnerships that aim to improve the quality of its products, expand overseas markets and assure sustainability throughout the production process.

In GAA's own words:
The Global Aquaculture Alliance is an international, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture. GAA recognizes that aquaculture is the only sustainable means of increasing seafood supply to meet the food needs of the world's growing population.

Through the development of its Best Aquaculture Practices certification standards, GAA has become the leading standards-setting organization for aquaculture seafood.

International Sustainable Seafood Foundation - ISSF - Tuna

2014-08-27T21:08:00.001-07:00

Tuna and humans have a long and close relationship. Phoenicians in 2000 BC had Atlantic bluefin tuna trap fisheries, among the oldest in the world. For centuries, relatively little changed and most of the catch occurred near land wherever tuna roamed. In the 1940s and 1950s, however, rising demand for the tasty fish coupled with industrial power unleashed a gold rush into the deep oceans, leading to a massive transformation of the industry with a direct impact on species and the environment. Europeans expanded into West African waters, the United States expanded to South America, and the Japanese set sail all around the high seas.

Skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and albacore play a major role in both the overall health of the marine ecosystem and the world economy as a key commodity. Advances in technology have led to the expansion of massive ships armed with tuna traps that would have made the Phoenicians heads' spin, meeting the markets' demand while disrupting the ecosystems in which they operate. Today, a rising demand for sashimi for sushi and increased European consumption are new challenges added to the old for global tuna fishery management.

In 2009, a group of scientists, leading conservationists and industry giants banned together to formulate and institute a science-based approach that would combat the effects of decades of overfishing, illegal, unregulated and unreported tuna fishing, and the fishing practices that damage the environment in excessive ways.

The mission of the ISSF is to improve the sustainability of tuna stocks worldwide with three key areas of focus:

the development and implementation of verifiable science-based practices
driving management measures that result in MSC certification (standard 1) for fisheries
becoming the industry standard for for fishermen, distributors, manufacturers and marketers

Bycatch, when the wrong species is caught, is one of the most important issues for ISSF. Fishing methods like purse seine and industrial longline can result in sharks, sea birds, turtles and dolphins being swept up alongside the tuna. Minimizing bycatch is central to the mission, a focal point of research and initiatives for ISSF.

Determining a science-based benchmark for maximum sustainable yields and working closely with Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are among the efforts that the dedicated team at ISSF hope will lead to measurable, dependable supplies for generations to come. Setting and enforcing policy in the multinational arena, and establishing reliable data points for reference are just a few of the hurdles that the community for tuna management must overcome.

According to the FAO, while some species of bluefin are seriously overfished and in need of urgent action, and others are overfished or fully exploited, tuna fisheries as a whole are relatively healthy. Conditions could change, however, with rising demand and a growing global population. The future will require a strong framework and standards for the tuna industry, a process well underway with many obstacles ahead.

If it's available at your supermarket, do your part and support sustainable tuna!

FMI FIshery Improvement Projects (FIPs) For Sustainability

2014-08-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) represents the interests of major food retailers and manufacturers, partnering with them on industry initiatives and development of their operations in the fast-evolving global market. Providing scientific research, guidance and collaborative tools, FMI has made a major impact on labeling standards and laws, food safety, healthy food for kids and much more.

FMI's Sustainable Seafood Committee has drafted a new guidance document for best practices in the supply chain for suppliers, retailers and NGOs. Sustainability management and communications consultant, Nadine Bartholemew, authored the "Fishery Improvement Projects: How Retailers And The Supply Chain Advance Seafood Sustainability."

This free resource includes a step-by-step guide on how to develop a Fishery Improvement Project that will yield results:

Plan development and implementation
Educating and engaging stakeholders
Goal setting
Project management
Fishery reform

This newest guidance document also includes Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) case studies by leading supermarket chains deeply committed to seafood sustainability: Publix, Wegman's, Loblaw and Safeway. FIPs in the Gulf of Mexico, North Carolina, the Marshall Islands and elsewhere address shrimp sustainability, reef fish habitat management, tuna management and more, all small steps toward a greater whole for all stakeholders in the chain.

We encourage you to become part of this exciting movement to reverse the effects of overfishing and destructive fishing methods and to support the growth of responsible aquaculture by producers who care as much about the environment and communities as they do about profits. Ask questions like "Do you know where this fish comes from?" and "Is it sustainable?" and learn all you can! The more demand for sustainable seafood, the better!

Learn More With The SSBA!

Ocean Wise - Vancouver Aquarium For Sustainable Seafood

2014-08-13T10:43:00.002-07:00

The Vancouver Aquarium's conservation program, Ocean Wise, was created to educate consumers and guide them to a trusted source for sustainable seafood. Working directly with restaurants, distributors and suppliers, the program provides the latest scientific information to help them make ocean-friendly buying decisions. Restaurants that partner with Ocean Wise place a symbol on their menus to alert consumers that the seafood in question has been deemed "sustainable."

Ocean Wise has four criteria for its recommendations:

Abundant and resilient to fishing pressures.
Well managed with a comprehensive management plan based on current research.
Harvested in a method that ensure limited bycatch on non-target and endangered species.
Harvested in ways that limit damage to marine or aquatic habitats and negative interactions with other species.

Conservationists, authorities and professionals in the seafood industry agree that consumers must play a major role by seeking out and selecting product known to be sourced from responsible wild fisheries and aquaculture farms. An estimated 90% of large species have been over-fished, illegal fishing abounds, and nations without strong regulatory management and oversight may not be contributing to the need for improvement. The Ocean Wise program provides assurance for consumers who may not have time or inclination to research all the complexities and details, giving them confidence that their choices are the best for today's and tomorrow's generation.

Find an Ocean Wise restaurant

Full list of Ocean Wise partners

Other notable news from Ocean Wise:

Chefs For Oceans final event celebrates the cross-Canada bicycle ride of Chef Ned Bell at the Four Seasons in Vancouver with a gala dinner in September serving sustainable seafood by chefs committed to the cause.

Travel to French Polynesia with Chef John Bishop and Jean-Michel Cousteau in this fundraiser for the Vancouver Aquarium, teaming great meals with an unforgettable marine life educational experience.

Join Ocean Wise

Learn More About Sustainable Seafood With The Writers At SSBA

Fishery Improvement Projects By Sea Pact Show Promise

2014-08-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last week, the group of seafood companies collaborating together as Sea Pact, announced the kickoff of their summer grant proposal process which ends August 25, 2014 aimed to facilitate the long march to sustainable wild fisheries and aquaculture on a global scale. Several Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP) have already shown promise, all small steps toward the larger mission worldwide.

Projects funded by Sea Pact in 2012/2013:

Sea Delight Mexican Grouper FIP
Off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, organizers have put together a project that seeks to identify the current status of the fishery and unify the fishermen and workers around sustainable practices. Facilitating a pre-MSC assessment, the FIP includes workshops to discuss environmental impacts of their two methods of fishing (mechanical long-line and handheld long-line) and sets in motion discussions for a plan for the future. Sea Pact hopes that the success of this FIP will encourage similar projects in the region to ban together and expand its reach and effectiveness.

Fathom Consulting Pelagic Trawl Gear Improvement
Trawling, the act of dragging a net across the ocean's floor to scoop up fish, does some of the worst damage to sensitive habitat and includes significant "bycatch," other species not targeted by the fishermen, which often get discarded dead or mangled back into the sea. Fathom Consulting is testing out new technologies that reduce the damage and minimize bycatch, launching out of Monterey on a trawler equipped with new gear. Sensors, doors, discs and wider net spaces make this "smart trawler" far less damaging to the bottom of the ocean, allowing for shorter fishing times and less fuel expended. Sea Pact feels that the success of this project will lead to trawler upgrades worldwide.

CeDePesca Mahi Mahi FIP
Experts at CeDePesca (Centro Desarrollo y Pesca Sustentable ~ Center for Development and Sustainable Fisheries) are in Panama working to develop a sustainable mahi mahi fishery for the 300 fishermen and families who rely on this migratory fish for a living. The FIP is designed to establish a fishery management and monitoring plan, training for fishermen and building a future based on ecosystem stewardship. Sea Pact believes this model will provide a secure income for the fishermen and a steady reliable supply of mahi mahi to the U.S. market.

NFI Crab Council - Blue Swimming Crab Enhancement
Building off success of tagging hatchery crabs and tracking their release in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are training scientists in the Philippines how to do the same for hatchery-bred Blue Swimming Crabs. Augmenting natural populations with hatchery-bred juveniles appears to be a popular notion for Asian producers, and this project will help them learn how to administer the program and determine the costs.

Maine Soft Shell Clam FIP
The Maine soft shell clam brought in $16 million revenue at dockside, a major economic force for the state. Rising ocean temperatures, however, have increased the population of green crabs who thrive in warmer waters, thereby complicating the region's clam management practices. This FIP is designed to create among clammers and clam stewardship committees a new mindset and tools for an out-of-the-box approach. In Freeport, scientists are testing wide-scale habitat reformation and predator exclusion measures to illustrate the new ways of thinking that will be required to reduce the detrimental impacts on the state's soft shell clam fishery.

Brazilian Lobster FIP
The Green Spiny Lobster and Red Spiny Lobster are Brazil's most lucrative fishery, employing over 100,000 people and raising tens of millions of dollars in revenue. In a pre-MSC assessment, several problems were identified, including the use of illegal gear instead of traps. Together with CeDePesca, organizers are attempting to educate fishermen and unite them behind the use of traps to establish a reputable, legal, traceable brand that can help restore the health of the fishery and security of tens of thousands of jobs. Sea Pact hopes the success of this FIP will encourage more fishermen to join and benefit from sustainable stewardship practices.

Thanks in part to funding provided by Sea Pact, "Sustainable Seafood" is on its way to a plate near you!

Enjoy seafood at least twice a week, it is said. Key words?: At least!

Summer 2014 Sea Pact Grant Proposals Now Open

2014-07-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Have an idea to restore ocean ecosystems? Perhaps Sea Pact may be able to help.

Sea Pact's third request for grant submissions is now open! Funding Application Here!

Several seafood companies united to form Sea Pact, a project to promote sustainable seafood practices and industry growth through a grant process for fishery and aquaculture improvement projects, habitat restoration, science-based research and other initiatives that align with Sea Pact's mission.

Past projects include many promising developments for the industry, including lobsters in Brazil, Maine soft shell clam, Blue Swimming Crabs in the Philippines, Mahi-mahi in Panama and more. These Sea Pact grants, each a small step for sustainable seafood, are generating knowledge and building models that will benefit everyone across the supply chain.

Albion Fisheries, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, Ipswich Shellfish Group, Santa Monica Seafood, Seacore Seafood and Seattle Fish Co. are the founding members of Sea Pact, joined by Stavis Seafood, JJ McDonnell and A.C. Covert.

Grant submissions are due by August 25, 2014.

Eat, Buy, Sell Sustainable Fish - Inseparable Europe

2014-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Make a difference by eating, buying, or selling sustainable seafood and help ensure future generations have the same love story we have with our fish today." ~ Inseparable

You may not think "fish" when you think about Europe, but seafood has been central to the people and their way of life for generations. Per capita, Europeans consume 23.1 kg each year and are the world's 8th leading aquaculture producer in terms of volume, employing 85,000 people.

Recognizing the importance of a vital fishery and aquaculture sector, not only to the environment and health of fish stocks but to the economic and nutritional health of millions, the European Union has created a campaign to encourage consumption from responsible sources at home and abroad:

Inseparable: Eat, Buy, Sell Sustainable Fish

"Choose sustainable fish. Protect this valuable resource and discover new tastes." ~ Inseparable

In 2013, officials established the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to set and enforce rules for anyone who fishes, farms or trades in seafood in the E.U.. Designed to guide their wild stock and farms to sustainability and send a message to their trading partners about the importance of responsible stewardship, the CFP has banned such practices as "discarding" and supports fishing operations that employ state-of-the-art equipment that minimizes detrimental impact.

Science-based, regulatory and collaborative management of the ocean's vast but finite resources and development of good aquaculture practices is one part of the story for Inseparable. Consumer knowledge, choice and demand play a major role as well. The information is out there, perhaps seemingly overwhelming at first glance, but you will soon find common threads of a picture that will be delicious, healthy and sustainable. Interesting, too!

Elisabeth Vallet, Director of SeaWeb Europe, puts it this way: "Everyone has a role to play. In asking where the fish comes from and how it has been fished or farmed, consumers will contribute by helping fishmongers and chefs to ask the right questions to their suppliers. If the suppliers don't know the answer, they will have to find out, and this will help to improve the traceability and the information about the fish they sell."

"Add value to your fish while protecting the environment, keeping your business and our oceans' ecosystems sustainable."

"Fish help us prosper"

Inseparable

Sustainable Fish Stocks In U.S. Expanding - NOAA

2014-07-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

The oceans cover over 70% of our world, teeming with life well-known and countless species yet undiscovered. Despite its proximity to land and civilization, relatively little is known about our great seas and the inhabitants that call it come. One thing we do know, though, is that human activity weighs on ecosystems of any longitude or latitude, and can lead to devastating consequences for fish populations and communities that rely upon their health.

Good news. NOAA, in its 2013 Annual Report on the Status of U.S. Fisheries, announced that six species in the U.S. had been replenished through the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders and strict application of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) created to reverse the effects of overfishing. Some highlights to applaud:

Seven stocks were removed from the overfishing list
Four stocks were removed from the overfished list
Two stocks were rebuilt entirely - (Chinook salmon, Sacramento River Fall & Black Sea Bass, Southern Atlantic coast)
34 stocks since 2000 have been rebuilt
40 stocks (dropping to 17% of U.S. total stocks) are now on the overfished list
Pacific Bluefin tuna has been added to the overfished list

In 2007, Congress established annual catch limits (ACL) to reign in overfishing practices, leading to dramatic improvement in the entire system of national fisheries. NOAA's efforts will continue with science-based assessments of climate change on fishery management, reducing by-catch and focusing habitat restoration resources on areas that will make the most significant difference. Due to economic import, a sound fisheries management system is a vital link to communities and health nationwide.

Generally, consumers may not fully appreciate the importance of responsible stewardship of the ocean's resources, likely too busy with work, family and life to give it much thought. However, a growing chorus of demand for wholesome, healthy food has paved the way for sustainable seafood to take center plate, coinciding with the acute awareness that post-industrial planet earth may be more fragile than previously considered.

Your choices matter. Consumer awareness and demand for sustainable seafood bolster the efforts of the myriad stakeholders fighting for clean seas and a future for fish from which we may all benefit. Do you like green fish? Will you eat it here and there? We hope so!
For more about doing your part for oceans, fish and good health, obtain a

Seafood Watch Pocket Guide

and impress all your friends and tummy, too! They even have a Sushi Guide for you!

Visit our SSBA page for daily posts, updates, conversations and taking part in the blue revolution!

#SSBAFish - Sustainable Seafood Bloggers Association Sets Sail

2014-07-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Every spring in Boston, the world's seafood industry convenes for the annual Seafood Expo North America (formerly known as the International Boston Seafood Show) to introduce new products, catch up with the news and trends, and nurture personal relationships that often stretch for decades.

Back in the early Golden Age days of social media (2011 :), I created a campaign to engage attendees, executives, companies and consumers in a conversation driven by local blogger coverage of the three-day trade show. Now going into its 5th year, the "iPura Tweet & Blogfest at Seafood Expo NA" has generated hundreds of pages of original content, thousands of tweets and reached readers all over the world with a perspective on seafood that differs from more traditional, mainstream coverage of the event by the media. The voices of the bloggers, competing for cash awards by several sponsors, contribute a great deal to the success of the exhibition and more importantly, to the evolving conversation about sustainable seafood.

Several of these writers have decided to ban together for an on-going social media campaign designed to excite consumers, educate professionals and build community support for a topic that deserves all the attention it receives.

Together, the group has formed the Sustainable Seafood Bloggers Association (SSBA). Each day, one of the writers will post a new article. With a combined social media network of over 50,000, the writers' mission is to play a key role by sharing their passion for the subject with their audiences with hopes that the authentic, organic conversations will grow, powered by their daily coverage of the people, stories, challenges and successes of the great big blue world of seafood.

Consumers in greater numbers are starting to understand the connection between their health and the food they consume, and the production methods that deliver that nutrition to our plates. As the world population soars and global food supply chain grows more complex, matters related to a secure food future have never been more urgent for development, management and understanding. The more people know about things, the better, and the more they share, even better still.

Please join these writers on their voyage on behalf of sustainable, responsibly sourced seafood and health-deserving consumers everywhere!

Richard Auffrey ~ The Passionate Foodie

Holly Henschen ~ futuristfarmgirl

Tom Siebertz ~ Chews-Worthy

Jason Simas ~ thefoodsafetyblog

Kerrie Urban ~ Urban Foodie Finds

#SSBAFish

PMA Foodservice Conference & Produce Expo - Monterey

2014-06-30T10:03:00.001-07:00

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foodservice Conference & Produce Expo

WHEN: July 25-27, 2014

WHERE: Monterey, California

WHAT: The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foodservice Conference & Produce Expo kicks off on Friday, July 25 with the Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, followed by a field and plant tour for distributors, operators, chefs and menu R&D. Saturday begins with the PMA Foundation 5K Race For Talent in the early morning, then unfolds into the educational venue with seminars on global flavor trends, food safety and technology, big data and more. Sunday's big finale gathers 160+ exhibitors featuring the latest and greatest in produce.

WHO: Sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), the industry's preeminent voice for fostering leadership and awareness for the benefits of produce. Gathering will be 1700 attendees, give or take, representing the entire produce supply chain, in addition to 160+ exhibitors for the Expo.

WHY: To foster partnerships, gain insights on the industry's trends and issues, meet new talent, and to showcase the future of foodservice innovation and technology, products and services.

Sustainable Seafood Finance (SSF) - Rabobank, WWF

2014-06-13T11:43:00.001-07:00

The seafood sector is quickly rising in importance for financial institutions and investor portfolios as the world's booming population is expected to rise to nine billion or more by 2050. Dwindling wild stocks and rapid expansion of aquaculture to meet demand has created a call to action by stakeholders for sustainable practices and a sufficient supply for generations to come.

"With financial institutions facing growing exposure to the seafood industry - as the sector becomes increasingly important - many realize there is a lack of credible information outlining sustainability risks." ~ Rabobank

With the economic and social stakes so high, there is no time better than the present for bold, clear initiatives. Knowledge, transparency, collaboration and communication are the pillars than can guide investors and risk managers to fair, comprehensive understanding and decision-making.

To address the challenge, Rabobank and WWF teamed up with the Natural Value Initiative of Fauna and Flora International and the North Sea Foundation to establish the Sustainable Seafood Finance (SSF).

The goal of the SSF, says Rabobank, is "to help create long-term sustainable seafood supplies" by providing for its partners, "a tool to help seafood companies, and their financiers and investors, better understand and manage their exposure to sustainability risks and to identify sustainability performance improvement opportunities against current practice and standards."

The tool is designed for large integrated seafood companies whose operations are exposed to sustainability risks in one form or another, and to help them achieve international recognition for their measurable and "considerable" achievements for sustainability performance. SSF offers:

Credit Lending: offering better access to capital and/or favorable conditions for its loans based on the commitment for improvement
Sustainability coaching: agreement with credit lenders/investors about making progress on its sustainable performance
Performance monitoring

Phase One of the SSF has been completed and now has moved on to Phase Two: "building an alliance of financiers and companies who wish to be at the forefront"

Good Luck Rabobank, WWF & Partners!

Seafood For Pregnant Women & Kids - More Fish Is Good

2014-06-13T10:09:00.003-07:00

In an effort to encourage more consumption of seafood, the FDA and EPA has revised advisory warnings about mercury in fish and the dangers posed to pregnant or breastfeeding women and to children. The health and developmental benefits of seafood appear to be overwhelmingly positive compared to its risks, a message that has been marred by a disproportionate emphasis and confusion on potential dangers.

The Dietary Recommendations for Americans 2010 advises consumers to eat at least two servings of seafood per week, a tip going unheeded by a large majority of pregnant women queried in a recent poll. Overall, Americans eat roughly 15lbs. of seafood per capita per year, far less than the amount of beef, pork and poultry selected for meals. Much room for improvement!

Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know

"Eating fish with lower levels of mercury provides numerous health and dietary benefits," said Nancy Stoner, the EPA's acting assistant administrator for the Office of Water. "This updated advice will help pregnant women and mothers make informed decisions about the right amount and right kinds of fish to eat during important times in their lives and their children's lives."

Seafood That Is Lower in Mercury:

Shrimp
Pollock
Salmon
Canned Light Tuna
Tilapia
Catfish
Cod

FDA Cautions Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women To Avoid:

Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
Shark
Swordfish
King Mackerel
* Limit - White (albacore) Tuna to 6 ounces per week

The FDA and EPA's draft advice is open to the public for comment and will hopefully lead to a clearer directive for Americans and seafood consumption.

#3pChat #SustyFish Tweet Jam By Triple Pundit

2014-05-08T09:51:00.001-07:00

#3pChat

575,791
accounts reached

On May 8, the #3pChat hosted by Triple Pundit lit up Twitter with a panel of experts including Dr. George H. Leonard, Chief Scientist of the Ocean Conservancy; Clare Leshin-Hoar, freelance journalist; Tim Fitzgerald, biologist with the Environmental Defense Fund; and thought-leader Jason Simas to discuss "Sustainable Seafood" and Ocean Conservation!

Bart's Fish Tales - Sustainable Instagram

2014-05-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Sustainable Seafood" may be the hottest, sexiest, trendiest food topic on earth, galvanizing a vast network of stakeholders from polar opposite worlds. When corporate execs can see eye to eye with local fishermen; when passionate conservationists align with conglomerates; when authorities move to draft and implement policy heralded by fierce journalists and scientists; when these things happen, something significant must be pulsating at the epicenter driving such consensus: Sustainable aka Responsible Seafood, championed by cutting-edge chefs and ahead-of-the-curve consumers, hip supermarket chains and now, it's time for the rest of us to jump on the bandwagon.

Bart's Fish Tales on Instagram

America has always attracted adventurers, creators, innovators and people with dreams to fashion a world outside the confines of the status quo. Hollywood, art, education, music and the science communities are well aware of the contributions of non-native born performers, and thanks to Jamie Oliver and many of the Top Chefs, the food world too has its share of shining luminaries from far off lands.

Welcome to the stage Bart Van Olphen, a chef trained in Paris and now creator of "the world's shortest cooking show," a collection of video vignettes on Instagram teaching us home cooks how to prepare a seafood dish while at the same time cultivating an appreciation for the women and men devoted to sustainability and conservation of fisheries.

Featured in an article in Forbes, the amiable sustainable seafood champion shares his love of the fish he so expertly prepares as well as his deep appreciation for the communities that rely of seafood for economic and cultural identity. The way he presents it, you can either dismiss the notion that every bite of food has a story, stuff in your face mindlessly, or embrace it and open up the universe of connections that make life on planet earth so rich and enchanting.

With over 43,000 followers on Instagram, Bart may have found a perfect form for capturing the myriad of brilliant layers illuminating seafood as a subject to embrace. As the world's population swells and consumers seek the best sources of nutrition, sustainable seafood will turn out to be a cherished resource for all. Thanks to communicators like Bart and the people working for a "blue tomorrow," the rest of us can climb aboard, too, and support this historic movement.

#EatBrighter With PMA, Sesame Street

2014-04-30T09:16:00.002-07:00

An initiative between Sesame Workshop and the Produce Marketing Association seeks to market fruits and vegetables to children in an effort to combat obesity and high mortality rates associated with poor diets. Children are the future, of course, so let's make it as colorful and healthy as possible!

#EatBrighter

Parents, educators and advocates can access a variety of tools and resources to engage kids and inspire them to fill at least 1/2 of their plates with produce. Visit these sites below and get started on a rainbow adventure into the land of nutrient-dense deliciousness!

Sesame Street

Eat Brighter on Pinterest

PMA's Webinar

Let's Inspire Healthier Eating on YouTube

Social Media & Mainstream News At #SENA14 Boston

2014-03-15T11:57:00.003-07:00

"The story of seafood is more than fish on a platter. It is community, culture, economy, sustainability, security, ocean health" ~ Jason Simas

An event like the Seafood Expo North America presents the ideal opportunity for bloggers to engage with the seafood industry and the issues at the heart of ocean conservation and food security. Three years ago, in the spirit of cultivating a community of bloggers around the health benefits of seafood, the complexities of the industry and the efforts toward sustainability, iPura launched a "Tweet & Blogfest" with a grand prize of $1,000. This year, the 4th Annual contest features prizes by Global Aquaculture Alliance and ABC Research Laboratories, and will attract between ten and twenty very talented writers. Follow @iPura on Twitter for all the updates, color and details.

#iPura Blogfest theme is "Safe, Sustainable Seafood"

Industry trade publications SeaFood Business Magazine and Seafood Source are the official media sponsors for the show, and National Fisheries Institute sponsors the event and hosts a vlog (video) series featuring interviews with show attendees. Seafood trade media leaders Intrafish, Undercur, Seafood News, FIS, along with retail and manufacturing trade publications have covered this business community and its issues for a very long time. Local outlets from giants ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and others may appear as well to showcase the Expo's impact on the local economy, though few devote the time to delve deeply into the sea.

Is it fair to say that information flows in so many directions for so many reasons to so many people that no single creation-distribution channel owns reality and perception any longer? It is.

Left to right: Robin, Michelle, Richard, Myrna in a Famous Ellen Oscar Selfie Shot at SENA14

The opening salvo in the blog contest was launched by Lisa Johnson, publisher of "Anali's First Amendment." Her first post arrived the day before the competition, letting the other bloggers know that there's a new kid in town and sending a warning shot over the bow of defending champion, Richard Auffrey.

Lisa Johnson - Anali's First Amendment

Yes, I Went To Marine Camp Science

AnaliFirst: "Good thing that Marine Science Camp provided magic periwinkle + pearl dust for any future ocean related endeavors!"
RichardPF: "Let the ocean battles commence tomorrow! :)"
AnaliFirst: "Poseidon and I await. : ) Let the ocean battles commence tomorrow! :)"
RichardPF: "Suijin, the Japanese God of Water has my back. Along with Ryūjin, the might ocean dragon. :)"
AnaliFirst: "Summoning Varuna.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna"
RichardPF: "Namor & Aquaman will also be assisting me."

The whole point of a trade show is to bring exposure, awareness and excitement to the companies, people and products making the world go around. The show itself, a colorful sprawling tapestry of international commerce and flavor, sets the stage and narrative in motion. From there, the stories take on a life of their own, given flight by the imagination of thinkers and dreamers into the hearts and minds of those who receive them.

Industry pros likely look to the tried-and-true trade publications for the edge needed to succeed, but consumers, the people, may be better served by flipping off the evening news and clicking on a blog.

These New England-based writers participated at Seafood Expo North America 2014 in the 4th Annual Tweet & Blogfest and we encourage you to visit their publications in support of their efforts. All of these writers and communicators care passionately about seafood.

Richard Auffrey - Two-time Champion (2011, 2013) - The Passionate Foodie

As usual, Richard arrived with the confidence and swagger of a heavyweight champion. Having won the Blogfest grand prize twice and a GLOBALG.A.P. prize for writing about "responsible" seafood, he knows what it takes to win. The self-described "Fish Head Whisperer," he always conducts pre-show research and plays to win. A prolific writer/publisher, Richard leaves few fish stories unturned and has to be considered a front-runner for a repeat. With eye for detail, story arc and relevancy to his audience, moving at a methodical and relentless pace, he has covered an impressive range of stories again this year, including:

Tweets of Richard's @RichardPF

"It is in the unexpected or neglected place that you will find the lobster" - Irish saying

"I've eaten so much seafood I think my IQ rose 20 points."

"I advise the bloggers writing about @bostonseafood to continue writing year round about seafood issues."

"Disappointed at near lack of coverage of @bostonseafood by Boston Globe and Boston Herald."

Myrna Greenfield - Champion (2012) - Good Egg Marketing

2012 iPura Tweet & Blogfest champ Ms. Greenfield has returned for another shot at the crown. A consummate pro, her posts cut straight to the chase and illuminate her subject in a soft, appealing light.

Robin Cohen - Doves And Figs

Robin is an artisan jam maker, nominated for a Martha Stewart "Made in America" award in 2013. Her jams may be found in select Whole Foods, regional grocery stores and farmer's markets. This image of High Liner salmon tickled her culinary fancy:

Thomas Siebertz - Science Meets Food - IFT

Thomas Siebertz is a gifted writer, one of the engines behind the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) blog. As an advocate for food science and clean food with an excellent grasp of the power of communication, his voice will only strengthen and expand in the years to come. Look for him to be a major influencer in his field for both industry stakeholders and consumers. He represents the best in class for a safe, secure and sustainable food future.

Lisa Johnson - Anali's First Amendment

Lisa burst into the competition with command and never let up. Brandishing a dizzying array of topics, personal anecdotes, sharp sense for science and a storyteller's zeal for taking an audience to new places, Lisa's work has made a big splash and makes for even better reading Apparently, she has Varuna at her side!

Lisa also created a Pinterest page: Seafood (Health, Meals + Culture)

Jessica - Gluten Free Boston Girl

Jessica covered the show from the point of view of the gluten free and provides insights on nutrition that inspire. She has a clear, resonating voice that may have you marching down the block in search of kelp!

Ocean Approved Kelp - Healthy For You, Healthy For The Environment

Kyle Krauss - The Food Group

Craig Caplan - Cappy In Boston

The Ultimate Guide to the Largest Seafood Expo in North America

Drew Starr - Drew Starr

Jessie - Seafood Blog Project

Boston Seafood '14 Recap
Focus On The Gulf States

Ret Talbot - The Good Catch

Writer Ret Talbot presents an unflinching portrait of the seafood industry in his blog, The Good Catch, produced with the intent to "focus on how species, habitat and coastal communities can be sustained through fisheries and science. PR hacks and marketing types, beware! Ret catches the grit beyond the shine, the drift beyond the waves. Asking tough questions and holding rhetoric to the fire, this commentator adds a level of passion and personal insight much appreciated in the community of seafood.

Seafood Expo North America 2014 Wrap-Up

AND

one thing stands out: Sustainability Is A Team Sport!

Two digital campaigns focused on "sustainability" and tackling the challenges ahead for seafood security merit special mention for adding social media muscle at Seafood Expo and the broader conversations that must carry on each day into the future:

Seafood Matters Blog by Marine Stewardship Council

Future of Fish by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Triple Pundit, ImpactAssets, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Vulcan

VIDEO

National Fisheries Institute produced a series starring eloquent spokeswoman, Lynsee Fowler. If unable to attend the show, catching her series on YouTube will more than satisfy your craving to know more about retail trends and the new products poised to reach consumers this year. If there were one wish for this NFI video campaign, it would be to see an upgrade in production values and sound quality for next year's show. The information and interviews presented are central to the show's narrative and interviewer Ms. Fowler shines as a media expert.

Meanwhile, bloggers weighed in early with their thoughts with spirited early posts that may have The Passionate Foodie on alert! Let the games begin!

Thomas Siebert in the IFTSA's Official Blog "Science Meets Food"

UPDATE: Toward the end of the day 1 at #SENA14, the Blogfest has clearly contributed to the fun, excitement and conversations about the important issues presented at the show. Over the next four or five days, bloggers will be writing their hearts out and one or more will win some prizes. Award winner or not for this "contest" though, the important thing has already been accomplished. People are talking, sharing, learning, asking questions, growing. Sure, there's promotion and marketing going on, but with today's social media tools, all the information and more is on the table for everyone to see, and to endorse or not. Exciting times for communicators, teachers and students everywhere!

ABC Research Laboratories, sponsor of a prize for blogging in the iPura contest about the "FDA, FSMA & Imported Seafood Safety," provided this relief for attendees, all natural too!

Come back soon to hear more about the stories and conversations taking place!

AND THE WINNERS FOR THE 4th ANNUAL iPURA TWEET & BLOGFEST ARE...
iPura "Best Blogger Award"
Richard Auffrey
Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) "Seafood Sustainability Award"
Lisa Johnson
ABC Research Laboratories "FDA, FSMA & Import Seafood Safety Award"
Richard Auffrey

A very special thank you to SeaFood Business Magazine associate publisher / editor Fiona Robinson for participating as the official judge for the 4th year. We cherish you, Fiona!

END HUNGER!
Vendors donated over 11,000 lbs. of seafood to SeaShare after the show!

STAY CONNECTED FOR THE 5th ANNUAL iPURA TWEET & BLOGFEST NEXT YEAR!

Seafood Matters Global Blog By MSC

2014-03-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world's most widely known and accepted program for the certification of sustainable practices by wild fisheries, recently launched a blog that will cover the important issues facing the future of the oceans. The "Seafood Matters Global Blog" will consist of articles contributed by MSC affiliated experts and leaders in the field, addressing topics of critical, urgent and vital interests to us all.

Visitors to the Monterey Bay Aquarium marvel at ocean's wonders

SEAFOOD MATTERS GLOBAL BLOG

"We work in partnership to create models for intelligent stewardship," writes Rebecca Fordham, MSC global communications director in her first blog article. "We work to inspire change and create a market pull among consumers and suppliers -- an appreciation of the economic and environmental value of sustainably sourced fish has the best chance of a transformative impact on the world's oceans."

Ocean conservation and responsible management of the world's fisheries is a field of growing interest with the rise of globalization, the effects of climate change and a population expected to reach nine billion by 2050. Many larger species of seafood have been harvested at an unsustainable rate, causing a ripple effect across the entire ecosystem. MSC stands at the crossroads of impact where the challenges of providing a healthy supply of nutrition to billions often collide with nature's need to replenish and regenerate.

Consumers may not have embraced sustainability quite yet as a core attribute for their food, but one day they may be glad so many smart, dedicated, passionate people did.

Global Food Safety Conference 2014 - Anaheim

2014-02-19T12:28:00.003-08:00

Over 1,000 of the world's top food safety leaders, executives, scientists and communicators will gather in Anaheim on February 26-28, 2014 for the Global Food Safety Conference (GFSC). Hosted by the Consumer Goods Forum, the delegation will take part in three days of presentations and Breakout Sessions focused on the work of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) toward the theme of "One World, One Safe Food Supply."

The list of speakers includes a number of heavyweights in the business of food safety, representing many of the world's largest food companies operating across borders and feeding billions daily. FDA Commissioners, industry titans, regulatory officials, heads of NGOs and leading scientists will speak to a delegation from over 50 countries representing all levels of the food supply chain.

What Makes GFSC 2014 So Special?

Listen to:

Podcast by Frank Yiannas

(V.P. of Food Safety, Walmart; Author of "Food Safety Culture")

See Highlights From Day 1 of GFSC 2014

As Mr. Yiannas points out, food safety today is a global challenge, and will require new approaches and solutions through collaboration. The GFSC 2014 will build upon the programs, conferences, initiatives and efforts taking place around the globe for GFSI's mission to create a set of common standards adopted globally.

Photo: CDC

Breakout Sessions include topics such as:

The changing food system -- rapid advances in technologies, methods, theories for best practices
Emerging risks -- global nature of food trade, relentless microbes
The future of food -- how to feed billions more than we do today, safely and sustainably
Global food safety cultures -- how they differ, how to strengthen, how its evolving in China
Food safety insanity - same outbreaks, no big strides; airlines' lessons applied to food

This year's GFSC is expected to be one of the best events ever of its kind as awareness of food safety is at an all-time high among both C-suite stakeholders and consumers.

Not to mention, Disneyland is just down the street!

Complete List of Speakers at GFSC 2014

Beachapedia - Surfrider Foundation Wiki

2014-02-13T11:54:00.002-08:00

Kick off your shoes, run your toes through the sand and dive into Beachapedia, "your coastal knowledge resource," a wiki produced by the Surfrider Foundation.

Decades of research and experience by scientists and activists at Surfrider have been gathered and presented in Beachapedia to provide managers and citizens the resources and tools necessary to be good stewards of their local beaches.

Surfrider's continually-updated assessment of the health of local beaches, the State Of The Beach report, provides a ten-year history and on-going measure of beach erosion, beach ecology, surf zone water quality and other factors affecting the shoreline.

Photo by NOAA

Hundreds of initiatives and campaigns over the years have contributed to an extensive database and network for positive change at the local, regional, national and international level:

Beach Access
Coastal Preservation
Clean Water
Ocean Ecosystems
Rise Above Plastic
Know Your H2O
Surf Protection

From working on the Gulf oil spill cleanup to the fight to ban plastic bags in California, the professionals and passionate folks at Surfrider, and the beaches, deserve support.

See how you can get involved!

World Ocean Summit 2014 - The Economist

2014-02-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy of NOAA Library

What a frontier, the oceans. Vast seas of opportunity and challenges that impact billions, stir political turmoil, drive social stability and change, feed economic development, generate energy and provide nutrition to an ever-increasing population. And it's a major force in climate change. These facts have not gone unnoticed nor unchecked, as legion's of the world's most powerful industrialists, politicians, conservationists and scientists have all been working in earnest to grasp the full nature of the delicate dance between humankind and the oceans in search of sustainable regulations, practices and governance.

From February 24-26 at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, luminaries in the field will gather for a conference created by The Economist, the World Ocean Summit 2014. Delegates will discuss a variety of topics central to the understanding of risks of ocean degradation and the governance that will be required into the 21st century. Hosted in association with National Geographic, guest speakers include U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the President of Portugal, Julie Packard of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the CEO of Oceana, U.N. and World Bank officials, a Scripps' Oceanographer, International Union for the Conservation of Nature representatives, the founder of 50-in-10 and many more.

The conference is designed not only to raise awareness of the issues at hand, but to inspire the creation of solutions to be applied in the field. After spending the first full day listening to experts, gathering info and engaging in discussions, delegates will split into five industry/sector working groups on the second day tasked with finding solutions to real problems that need to be addressed.

Achieving meaningful, sound governance and certainty on the high seas may have a lot in common with trapping a genie in a bottle, but when financial interests intersect with survival and control, humans are known to give the very greatest of notions a concerted, spirited try. Whether mining the sea for energy, minerals, food or tourism, leaders of the free world know that if there are no rules to structure the game, no common bonds to unite us around the planet's shared resource, then all of humanity will pay an unimaginable price.

As those at The Economist and National Geographic know, it all starts with dialogue. What will the second World Ocean Summit deliver? Stay tuned!

Farm Bill 2014 - Agricultural Act #MyFarmBill

2014-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Secretary Tom Vilsack released this statement following passage of the "Farm Bill," the Agricultural Act of 2014, now on its way to the President's desk.

"Today's action will allow the proud men and women who feed millions around the world to invest confidently in the future. Our communities will have additional support to attract new economic opportunity and create jobs. During difficult times, children, working families, seniors and people with disability will have access to nutritious food. The potential of new products, treatments and discoveries will be strengthened through new agricultural research. Renewed conservation efforts will protect our fields, forest and waters creating new tourism options. This legislation is important to the entire nation.

Photo courtesy of ARS USDA

Building on the historic economic gains in rural America over the past 5 years, this bill will accomplish those goals while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. While no legislation is perfect, this bill is a strong investment in American agriculture and supports the continued global leadership of our farmers and ranchers."

Join the #MyFarmBill conversation!

Major Elements of the Agricultural Act of 2014

Expected to shave $23 billion off the debt
Direct subsidies to farmers will be replaced by crop insurance
SNAP, or food stamps, will be cut by 1%
Conservation measures by farmers will be rewarded
Development funds and focus for rural communities
Favored crops such as corn and soybeans will retain favored status
In the event of major price declines or disasters, costs related to crop insurance could skyrocket

Photo courtesy of ARS USDA

The extensive battle over the final details divided Congress along bi-partisan lines as well as within each party. Such polar opposites as NJ Senator Cory Booker (D) and KY Senator Rand Paul (R) were united in their opposition to the legislation's final form, though for different reasons. In the end, bi-partisan support in both the House and Senate carried the day.

Chairman Frank D. Lucas of the House Agriculture Committee said, "Ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce an abundant and affordable food and fiber supply is as important to our country as national defense."

President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law at Michigan State University on Friday, February 7.

Read More about the Farm Bill's benefits:
Farm Bill Benefits More Than Farmers
Local and Regional Food Systems in Farm Bill 2014

Changes In Eating Patterns, Diet Quality In U.S. - USDA ERS

2014-01-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

The USDA Economic Research Service queried nearly 10,000 adults on a range of health and lifestyle issues, finding evidence that Americans are choosing healthier food and more aware of nutrition information than ever before. The ERS report, Changes in Eating Patterns and Diet Quality Among Working Age Adults - 2005-2010, indicates that the message for healthy eating may be winding up on the plates of millions.

Highlights of the study:

Calories consumed decreased 5% among working adults
Fat, saturated fat and cholesterol consumption decreased
Fiber consumption increased
Spending on food prepared outside the home decreased 13%
Meals eaten at home increased from 5.8 times per week to 6.2 times
As economy improves, eating outside the home is on the rise, though consumers more mindful of nutritional value
Consumers paying attention to nutrition facts and making nutritional value a priority in the home

One-third of American adults are obese, a crisis damaging the economy, communities, families and the individuals impacted. The costs associated with medical care and lost productivity due to the complications of eating a poor diet are estimated to be as high as $200 billion or more.

Several initiatives by the federal government aimed at stemming the epidemic appear to be making a positive contribution to changing attitudes, according to officials:

Choose MyPlate

SuperTracker

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids' Act

Smart Snacks in Schools

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

The rise of social media likely plays a significant role, too, as the flood of good nutrition information permeates multiple channels ceaselessly, earning peer endorsement and organic shares, testimonial success stories, and armies of micro-niche advocates and sherpas guiding the way to good health. Such Meta Data creation and dissemination will likely congregate the best, truest information at the top, to be easily accessed and digested by legions of consumers who know a good fact when they see one.

While the end of the 20th century may be remembered as "Super-Size Me," the early 21st century could well be the era of "Mini-Size Me!"