On November 2, 2017, at the request of MSC Japan office Mr. Rupert Howes, CEO of MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) paid a courtesy visit to JCCU and had a talk with SHIMADA Hiroyuki, the Managing Director/CEO. MSC is an independent nonprofit organization that recommends sustainable fishery.

During their discussion, Mr. Howes mentioned the importance of MSC certification efforts, touching on the fact that sustainable fishery has shown scientific data that the marine ecosystem is being improved one after another. In addition, with the increase in MSC certification acquisition, Mr. Howes hopes that the 14th goal of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) stated at the United Nations Summit " with the aim to protect the richness of the sea" can be realized.

SHIMADA touched on the fact that JCCU emphasizes food safety and security, and that sustainable procurement is an important theme for consumer co-ops in Japan, and continues to increase the number of products that acquire MSC certification and disseminate the information to co-op members.