The Northwest Partnership is exploring the idea of market-based incentives for habitat friendly farming.  There is documented growing interest by consumers in knowing how the food they eat is grown.  Several organizations have created 'eco-labels' to brand products that are grown under specific conditions that protect certain species (i.e. salmon friendly) or groups of animals (i.e. bird-friendly).   Other organizations take a more comprehensive approach to setting standards.  The Food Alliance considers soil and water, worker safety, wildlife and pesticide minimization in its certification process. 

As the NWP examined standards, it looked at both the market-based standards that have been developed for various products and regions, and also at standards for conservation programs.  The Conservation Security Program is a new USDA program that pays for practices on working lands that are consistent with soil and water conservation, air quality and wildlife habitat protection.

This project has enjoyed the support of a student intern funded by the Green Lands, Blue Waters program  www.greenlandsbluewaters.org