wildsourced

Wildsourced is a non‑profit organization devoted to the sustainable sourcing of organic, wild‑harvested products and the promotion of biodiversity conservation. Founded in 2015 by a group of environmental economists and ecologists in Portland, Oregon, the organization positions itself at the intersection of market mechanisms and ecological stewardship, aiming to create equitable supply chains that benefit both local communities and natural ecosystems.

The mission of Wildsourced is to certify wild‑harvested resources—including medicinal herbs, edible fungi, and sustainable timber—for use in culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The certification process involves comprehensive ecological assessments, documentation of harvest methods, and monitoring of post‑harvest regeneration. Certified products carry the Wildsourced seal, which consumers can identify on packaging.

Through partnerships with indigenous groups, small‑holder cooperatives, and research institutions, Wildsourced conducts training workshops on low‑impact harvesting techniques and community‑based resource management. The organization also funds scientific studies that evaluate the long‑term effects of sustainable harvesting on biodiversity.

Wildsourced has been featured in several academic journals and mainstream media outlets for its role in reducing illegal wildlife trade and promoting fair‑trade alternatives. In 2022, the organization launched the Wildsourced Impact Fund, a revolving loan system that provides working capital to forest communities engaged in the responsible harvest of forest products. The initiative has expanded to the Amazon basin, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Overall, Wildsourced is recognized as a pioneering model for reconciling commercial demand with ecological integrity, ensuring that wild‑harvested resources can be enjoyed by future generations while preserving the health of the ecosystems that produce them.