Seafood consumers nationwide are paying closer attention to their seafood choices and demanding transparency on point of origin, like this Louisiana blue crab. Photo: Louisiana Seafood News
by Ed Lallo/Louisiana Seafood News
Seafood consumers nationwide are paying closer attention to their seafood choices and demanding transparency on point of origin – Louisiana is listening and has responded to the seafood consumers demands.
“Louisiana restaurants have long served the bounty of fresh seafood from the rich waters of Louisiana and the Gulf, but until now, a certification program had not been developed,” said Stan Harris, president and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Photo: Ed Lallo/Louisiana Seafood News
Louisiana Certified Seafood Program is a multi-agency origin-based certification program aimed at establishing a unified brand to attract consumers, food service and seafood distribution buyers. The aim of the recently launched program is to ensure the sourcing of the best tasting seafood in the world – Louisiana seafood!
“Through current marketing efforts, chefs and consumers across the country are learning the superior taste and quality of Louisiana seafood,” said Ewell Smith, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board executive director. “We are excited to bring customers the guarantee that they are purchasing authentic Louisiana seafood.”
“Louisiana restaurants have long served the bounty of fresh seafood from the rich waters of Louisiana and the Gulf, but until now, a certification program had not been developed,” said Stan Harris, president and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. “Shrimp, crab, oysters, crawfish and finfish have held prized positioning on restaurant menus and have been the ingredients for which Louisiana has become known for worldwide.”
The multi-agency program includes: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana SeaGrant, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, as well as fisheries industry leaders.
A more valuable product
The program is a direct result of recommendations from the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force to establish rules and guidelines throughout the seafood supply chain enabling the state to certify that “Louisiana Certified Seafood” is taken, landed and processed in Louisiana.
“This is just the first part of where the program is headed,” explained Clint Guidry, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association and a member of the Shrimp Task Force. Guidry (l) watches as shrimp are unloaded at Bundy Seafood docks in Lafitte, La. Photo: Ed Lallo/Louisiana Seafood News
Establishing criteria for the brand certification was a long and evolved process, according to Clint Guidry, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association and a member of the Shrimp Task Force.
“Prior to 2009, inspection of seafood was done by a hodge-podge of state agencies,” he said. “In 2010 the state legislature funded and set in motion legislation needed to create a unified certification process.”
“This is just the first part of where the program is headed,” Guidry explained. “The next part will be a premium certification of seafood that will hopefully allow for additional revenue for participating fishermen, docks and processors.”
The Louisiana Certified Seafood Program differentiates seafood caught along its coast, as well as in its estuaries, from imported seafood – giving it a brand as well as a point of origin. Louisiana seafood is the most tested in the world – especially over the past two years – something imports cannot match.
“This program is a win-win for both consumers and the Louisiana seafood industry,” said Guidry, “This new program will give consumers confidence they are purchasing the freshest, safest seafood in the world.”
The Louisiana Seafood brand
Consumers worldwide are familiar with “geographically-based” branding – Maine Lobster and Idaho Potatoes. The new program is aimed at making wild-caught shrimp, oyster, crabs and finfish synonymous with the Bayou State.
It targets Louisiana fishermen, processors, dock owners, grocers and restaurants, and allows them to showcase and brand Louisiana seafood.
“We encourage buying and promoting Louisiana products whether it’s in stores, farmer’s markets or restaurants,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. Photo: Dept of Agriculture and Forestry
“We encourage buying and promoting Louisiana products whether it’s in stores, farmer’s markets or restaurants,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain. “Our goal is to make sure Louisiana residents seek homegrown products to keep our industry strong. People at home and abroad want our produce and seafood because the quality speaks for itself.’
“Louisiana’s seafood is recognized for its world-class taste and quality,” said the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “This certification stamp lets consumers know they’re getting authentic Louisiana seafood that is held to the highest standards and strictest inspections in the world.”
According to assistant secretary Randy Pausina of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, “This program is three years in the making and demonstrates our Department’s strong commitment to ensuring Louisiana’s delicious seafood will continue to be recognized as the world’s finest.”
Program goals
All commercially licensed fishermen automatically qualify for the program. Application is voluntary for docks, processors, dealers, grocers and restaurants. Fresh product dealers, docks, and processors must complete online training before certification.
Program goals include:
- Develop a nationally recognized brand distinguishing Louisiana seafood from others.
- Certify and increase consumer confidence that Louisiana branded seafood is from the Gulf of Mexico. It is landed, processed and packaged within the state.
- Promote and market seafood labeled with Louisiana brand logo.
Participants in the new program also have the opportunity to be featured on the newly launched Certified Louisiana Seafood website.
More information on the program may be found at Certified.LouisianaSeafood.com.
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