Thanks to all who helped spread the word, donated and shared our posts and video this Earth Day—it was great to see all the appreciation for AGW farmers. And while Earth Day is just one day out of the year, we’re here for the long haul, working right beside you for a more sustainable food system. Sincerest thanks for all you do, and please find updates from the AGW program below.

2023 Good Food Award Recognition
Five Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) products received national recognition during the 2023 Good Food Awards for their leading contribution to creating sustainable, delicious and vibrant food economies across the U.S. This year’s awards included five Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW finalists and two winners.

• Rinske de Jong of Working Cows Dairy and Rinske’s Cheese in Slocomb, Alabama won a 2023 Good Food Award for Griene Tsiis cheese made with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW cow’s milk. de Jong was also a finalist for a 2023 Good Food Award for Slocomb Tomato & Garlic cheese and Wiregrass Tsiis, made with AGW-certified cow’s milk.
• Tamara Hicks of Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery won a 2023 Good Food Award for Atika cheese made with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW sheep and goat milk.
• Ashly Martin of Texas Iberico was a finalist for a 2023 Good Food Award for Serrano Salami made with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW pork.

Producer Grant Opportunity: USDA Value Added Producers Grant
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. The following may receive priority: beginning farmer or rancher; socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher; small or medium-sized farm; ranch structured as a family farm; farmer or rancher cooperative; proposing a mid-tier value chain. Electronic applications are due May 11. Paper applications are due May 16. Learn more about the grant, and watch this USDA training on how to apply.

Processing-Related Grant Opportunities
The USDA recently announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs that will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance food supply chain resiliency. The Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program is designed to support the priorities of Tribal Nations in meeting the needs of traditional harvesting methods and indigenous animals. The Local Meat Capacity Grant Program (Local MCap) supports independently owned meat and poultry processing businesses with funds to provide more and better processing options for local livestock producers by modernizing, increasing, diversifying and decentralizing meat and poultry processing capacity, including support for rendering. Applications for both will be accepted through July 19, 2023.

REMINDER for AGW-certified egg producers: Time to Stock up on Egg Cartons
We received a new shipment of egg cartons this week (in both blue and green), so now is a great time to stock up for the upcoming season. Made with 100% reclaimed paper, the striking and informative dozen-egg carton features the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW logo and the clear message that the eggs are from pastured, high-welfare hens. There is space on the outside of the carton for a farm specific label and space on the inside for a nutrition facts label. And don’t forget those egg carton inserts to help tell your story!

In the Press

• Skagitnonians featured Harmony Fields in Bow, WA in a blog post profiling their family and farm.

• In a recent article A Greener World shared with Redfin that being mindful of food labels and shopping for AGW-certified products can have a positive impact on our planet.

• Bon Appetit Management Company recently featured Gunthorp Farms in Lagrange, IN in a blog post about the farm’s relationship with nearby Trine University.

• Earth 911 featured Certified Regenerative by AGW in an article about understanding regenerative agriculture labels to inform food choices.

• PR Newswire shared news from Truly Grass Fed about an upcoming partnership with Sur La Table that will feature Truly Grass Fed’s AGW-certified butter in croissant cooking classes across the country throughout the month of May.

You can help us reach more farmers by sharing our weekly farmer updates. Just pass this linkalong and thanks for helping us get the word out about farmer resources and AGW-certified businesses.