For nearly 20 eld , Food Alliance , a nonprofit certifier based in the Pacific Northwest , has shaped the U.S. view ofsustainable agriculturethrough its rigorous sustainability standards and the documentation of mid - sized farm and cattle farm , processors , and distributor . But at the end of 2013 , you will no longer encounter the “ Food Alliance Certified ” seal on your favourite farm product , as earlier this calendar month , the organization shuttered its doors due to financial support problem .
A revised board , now in place , will safeguard Food Alliance ’s intellectual properties , let in its sustainability standard , evaluation puppet , certification applications , hallmark , labeling dominion , usage road map , marketing materials and internet site , but as of Feb. 15 , 2013 , Food Alliance certification operations , include review , ceased to be . James Leonard Farmer and other Food Alliance node with current certifications can continue to utilize the Food Alliance recording label in good faith until December 31 , 2013 .
Food Alliance was established in 1993 as a partnership between Oregon State University , Washington State University and the Washington State Department of Agriculture with the goal of creating market incentive for sustainable farmers in the Northwest . Five years later , it began certifying farmers , with labor practice , pest and disease direction , and grime and water preservation in mind . Eventually it inflate its standards to include humane creature treatment and the protection of wildlife habitat , and extended its credentials to ranches and dairy farm farms , as well as producers and distributors , across the country . Once a minuscule - scale certifier with only an apple agriculturist and a smattering of small food market stores sporting its label , Food Alliance lucubrate its certification to more than 330 farms across the U.S. , Canada and Mexico .
“ [ Food Alliance ] has become a gold standard for sustainability accomplished in a way that is sensible and actionable , ” says Jeff Picarello , Food Alliance ’s instrument panel chair . “ It has been a trailblazer for traceability , transparency , accountability and trust , always pointing the way forwards and focused on continual melioration . In my popular opinion , Food Alliance has been a pioneering change federal agent in sustainability . ”
It ’s unclear at this time what Food Alliance will look like moving forward ; however , Picarello sound out the board is work to put the organization ’s standards and touchstone to unspoiled enjoyment .
“ There is nothing quite like Food Alliance credential ; it is unique in many ways , ” Picarello say . “ Food Alliance has partner with many organizations and industries through the years , and we ’re hopeful that sodbuster will be able to find resources that are appropriate and match their mathematical operation and market . ”
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