We continue to think of the farming communities in the Southeast recovering and rebuilding after recent hurricanes. For those who may need it, hurricane assistance resources we have shared recently can be found here:

• Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s running list of relief resources for farmers
• Rural Advancement Foundation International’s Hurricane Helene Specific Resources and Disaster Recovery Resources

We know it’s a full season ahead for all, so we’re keeping the update brief this week. Read for the newest issue of Sustainable Farming magazine and labeling assistance grants for AGW-certified producers. We hope you’ll always be in touch if there are ways we can support you.

New Issue of Sustainable Farming

The Fall 2024 issue of AGW’s Sustainable Farming magazine is ready to view online. Written for farmers and anyone interested in sustainable, high-welfare livestock production, the magazine includes news, opinion and program activities, as well as in-depth technical features and case studies.

This issue features a thought-provoking article by a long-time organic farmer on the challenges of prohibiting antibiotics in organic systems. We’ve long said that while we have deep respect for organic farmers (we are proud to certify many) and organic farming systems, this is one area where improvement in the USDA organic standard is desperately needed. We hope it inspires productive conversations!

For AGW-certified producers: Labeling Assistance Grants

AGW is now offering labeling grants to support producers in the process of incorporating AGW logos on their products (ex: label printing costs, branded egg carton purchases, slaughter plant fees for adding AGW logos to label, etc.). The maximum grant is $500 per operation and is only available for animal products holding AGW certifications marketed in the U.S. and Canada. Operations must be certified and in good standing to receive funding, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Marketing Services Coordinator, Callie Casteel at callie with questions on labeling assistance and labeling grants.

Thinking about certifying? Get in touch!

Increasingly, people want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. AGW certification provides the most trusted and transparent third-party verified seal for your products. If you have been thinking about certification, contact our Outreach Specialistto learn more about the certification process and all the beneficial marketing, labeling and technical services that come at no extra cost to certified producers.

ICYMI: We’re Hiring – Seeking Slaughter Specialists/Farm Auditors

Join an awesome team doing great work with some of the best farms and plants in the business! A Greener World (AGW) is growing our team and seeking multiple individuals to conduct slaughter plant reviews and farm audits for a range of species and certifications. Visit AGW’s Careers page for more information, and please feel free to share widely.

In the News

• CNET featured Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW in “Forget Organic, Here’s the Chicken Label I look for.“

• KTVZ featured North 44 Farm in Bend, OR in “‘Very rewarding’: High Desert Food & Farm Alliance celebrates 10 on-farm efficiency grants for 2024.”

• NY.gov featured North Country Creamery in Keeseville, NY in “During Farm-to-School Month, State Agriculture Commissioner Announces $10 Million Available Through Second Round of New York’s Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program | Agriculture and Markets.”

• Livability.com features Dickinson College Farm in “Pennsylvania Farms Embrace Sustainable Agriculture.”

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.