AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO USDA ORGANIC CERTIFICATION EVERGREEN FARM WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE NOFA (NORTH EAST ORGANIC FARMERS ASSOCIATION) FARMERS PLEDGE.
WE PLEDGE THAT IN OUR FARMING, PROCESSING, AND MARKETING WE WILL:
Serve the health of soil, people and nature by rejecting the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers;
reject the use of GMOs, chemically treated seeds, synthetic toxic materials, irradiation, and sewage sludge in our farming, and all synthetic substances in post harvest handling;
treat livestock humanely by providing pasture for ruminants, access to outdoors and fresh air for all livestock, banning cruel alterations, and using no hormones, GMOs or antibiotics in feed;
support agricultural markets and infrastructures that enable small farms to thrive;
maintain and build healthy soils by farming practices that include rotating crops annually, using compost, cover crops, green manures, and reducing tillage;
conserve natural resources by reducing erosion and pollution of air, soil and water through responsible farming practices;
maximize the nutritional value of food and feed by practicing careful post harvest handling;
practice minimal processing for all food products to preserve the natural nutritional value of food: NO use of irradiation, ultra-pasteurization, excessive heat, synthetic preservatives, or GMO processing agents or additives and include all ingredients on labels;
reduce the ecological footprint of farms and homes by limiting energy use and converting to renewable sources of energy;
reduce food miles by selling produce locally and regionally;
create beneficial habitat for wildlife and encourage biodiversity;
help preserve farmland and farming know-how;
ensure food safety by using potable water for washing crops;
handle raw manure and soil amendments with care;
use ethical business practices;
pay a living wage to all farm workers and acknowledge their freedom of association and their right to collective bargaining;
treat family members and farm workers with respect, and ensure their safety on the farm;
work in cooperation with other farmers and with the neighboring community to create a more sustainable way of life;
encourage the distribution of unsold but edible food to people who need it;
sustain the land in healthy condition for future generations.
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