Why now?
Public Health
Public Health
Food is a primary component of nearly every social determinant of health. Eating local seafood brings food security to rural communities, builds community resilience, reconnects communities to the high quality food just off our coast, and ensures high levels of food safety.
Quick Facts
A locally-based food system in Oregon would support a diverse local workforce with living wage job opportunities, including harvesters, processors, distributors, retailers, and the diverse support services (Source: Radtke, Hans & Davis, Shannon. 2022. “Oregon Coast Synthesized Seafood Distribution Chain Model Project”)
Of the 17.6 million tons of seafood imported to the U.S., only about 1% is inspected, and 0.1% is tested for banned drug residues (Source)
From 2011-208, 95% of imported seafood products flagged for food safety violations were not tested by the FDA (Source)
The Oregon Ocean Cluster brings together policymakers, impact investors, funders, producers, nonprofits, researchers, creatives, and community organizers to accelerate solutions that advance policy and investment for sustainable blue food systems, and unlock actionable pathways toward a resilient, equitable food future.