Providing Transparency Across Alaska's Supply Chain








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The Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) certified sustainable seafood program has experienced steady growth in adoption by retail and food service buyers.  Established ten years ago, MSC was charged to create a certification standard that connects sustainable, well managed fisheries with buyers seeking assurances that seafood does not contribute to the depletion of fish stocks.   Now, 10 years later, MSC boasts more than 1,600 MSC labeled seafood products in 36 countries.  The number has tripled in the past 2 years.   We asked Kerry Coughlin, Communications Director, Americas to provide an update on Marine Stewardship Certified product in commercial markets.

Alaskans have always been proud of "their" Alaskan Brewing Company.  They drink the beer, proudly wear the sweatshirts and t-shirts and brag everywhere they go about their own - Alaskan Brewing Company from Juneau, Alaska.  

While the company boldly markets its brews throughout Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and now even Colorado - they are somewhat modest about the mounting accomplishments of the company, itself.     This is a corporate citizen like no other.  It has been rising in our midst without much fanfare - winning international recognitions, growing a healthy business and contributing oh so much to Alaska

According to Pizza Magazine, the pizza business recorded an estimated $37+ billion in annual sales in 2007 and is still growing and is one of the most vibrant segments of the food service industry.  No small wonder that someone in Alaska didn't look at the Pizza popularity and begin to develop recipes using wild Alaskan seafood.    

Yes, it happened in of all places, Hoonah, Alaska where Jan Jackson began making pizza using her secret pizza sauce and a topping of Alaskan halibut.    Originally made for personal consumption and later in her family-owned restaurant - it became such a hit that Wild Frontier Foods was established and dedicated to creating and selling Wild Frontier Halibut Pizza.   While it made its launch earlier this Spring and is now available for food service in Southeast Alaska - the company has plans to let others around the State of Alaska and in the lower 48 taste the new product as the company develops its infrastructure to support those new markets.   In the meantime, Wild Frontier Halibut Pizza is getting rave reviews and is now available for commercial food service orders in Southeast Alaska.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chad Padgett, Alaska Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency a few years ago.  I was curious what the FSA's role was in the supply chain of food in Alaska.   Chad patiently explained and it was apparent that FSA's role was significant.    However, what I remember most about the meeting was the absolutely clear vision that Chad shared with me about FSA's role in the future of Alaska.   While interviews often are enlightening about a product, service or company, it is rare that someone reveals a well thought out, researched and strategic plan for reaching such a magnanimous vision.      I was sitting on the edge of my chair to listen to every word, because this was the essence of Global Food Collaborative - to support an environment for sustainable businesses in food, beverage and bio-products.

Shortly after that interview, Chad was appointed as Acting State Director of the USDA Rural Development, in addition to continuing his role at FSA.   This appointment gave him yet more resources to see his vision realized.  Over the past 3 years, Chad has continued to quietly and humbly carry forward a strategic plan - one building block at a time.  Having a prominent role in Alaska representing a major federal agency, Chad could have easily decided to fulfill his positions in a status quo manner - he did not.     He has worked tirelessly, repositioning both agencies to best fit what he believes to be significant need and opportunity for Alaska.   

Maybe it is from his roots of growing up on a farm or living in rural Alaska that he understands what needs to be done and has a sense of urgency about it.   For whatever reason, I believe Alaska is fortunate to be represented with a State Director that uses every day to reach his vision of sustainable and healthy businesses and economies.

We asked James Gillespie, co-owner of Eagle Rock's Taste of Alaska for an update on their new innovative product.    For those that haven't seen the product - it is a gourmet salmon blend with organic spices that can be used in a myriad of recipes.  Made from Alaska wild salmon, the product was a show stopper last year.   The product could be kept frozen and used for all sorts of food service applications with all of the health benefits that consumers want today.     

We asked James Gillespie for a quick update.