I hope you are doing well. There is a lot happening in the world right now, and to highlight the interconnectedness that we all share, as well as some similar challenges, I thought you might like a window into what is going on with your AGW-certified peers across the pond. Brexit has thrown a significant amount of uncertainty into the future of farming and third-party certification will be more important than ever. For a perspective on the ground (or “ley,” as it were😉) check out this blog from AGW’s UK/Europe Executive Director, Wayne Copp: UK Farmers Collateral Damage in Post-Brexit Trade Deal Considerations.

For updates and resources from the AGW program in North America, please read on.

Podcasts feature AGW-Certified Producers
Backyard Bounty Podcast recently interviewed Pierre Belanger of AGW-certified Bison du Nord about sustainable bison ranching and how private ranchers helped save the bison from extinction. Catch the podcast here. Edible Alpha interviewed AGW-certified producers Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in IL about their commitment to silvopasture, quality milk, and the planet. Listen online. 

Thinking about Certifying? We can’t think of a better time to apply!
People want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. If you’ve been thinking about certification, now is great time to get started. We are currently waiving application fees, and we can’t wait to work with you. Contact your regional coordinator to learn more about the certification process and all the beneficial marketing, labeling and technical services that come at no extra cost to certified producers.

Certified Non-GMO by AGW Tomato Chutney from BaBa Foods Co. Available in Seattle Markets 
We are pleased to announce that Certified Non-GMO by AGW tomato chutney from BaBa Foods Co., located in Tukwila, WA, is now available in select grocery stores throughout Seattle and the surrounding areas. BaBa Food Co.’s unique chutney family recipe has been passed down for generations, now made to share with fresh, Certified Non-GMO by AGW ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Read more about this new product.

News from the AGW Family
We’re always glad to share the latest news from farms, ranches and businesses in the AGW family. Greene Publishing Inc. recently wrote an article about the herd of Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW goats at Serenity Acres Farm in Pinetta, FL. Sustainable Review featured Certified Grassfed by AGW in their article entitled “Food Label Overload—How to Go Sustainable Food Shopping.” Jill Smith of Pure Eire Dairy, home of a herd of Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Grassfed by AGW dairy cattle in Othello, WA was featured in PRNewswire’s “Dairy industry commits to carbon neutrality or better by 2050.”  Do you have news to share? Let us know so we can help spread the word.