Our team would like to share a heartfelt thanks to all who donated to AGW’s Relief Fund for Farmers on Giving Tuesday. This important initiative provides emergency support to farmers affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen circumstances. Your contributions truly make a difference! As we make our way toward the end of the year, we’re not slowing down for the season quite yet. Please read on for important dates, labeling grants and farmer resources.

Year End Office Hours and 12/16 shipping deadline

A Greener World offices will be closed for the holidays Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1. Emails and voicemails will be checked periodically, and if you need immediate assistance during this time, please call 800-373-8806. Please plan ahead for any orders of egg cartons, labels, or other merchandise from the AGW online store, as the deadline for shipping before the holidays is Monday, December 16. Weather-permitting, we will fulfill any orders received up to this date, and normal shipping will resume in January.

REMINDER: For AGW-certified producers – Labeling Assistance Grants

Want to make label updates in 2025? 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. 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 for information on how to apply.

Featured Resource: The Farmyard Connection

Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans—known as zoonotic diseases—are in the news with increasing frequency, and for good reason! Zoonotic diseases represent a significant concern for farmers and ranchers worldwide. As a livestock producer, what is your role in mitigating risks to your family, animals, and community? How can you maintain public trust as well as productivity in your operation? Read more in a new blog post, The Farmyard Connection, originally featured in Sustainable Farming.

In the news

• Seven Days Vermont featured Big Picture Farm in Townshend, VT in “2024 Vermont Holiday Gift Guide.”

• NJ.com features Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, NY in “Hobokenwoman leaves city life behind, relishes balance of nature on small farm.”

• Moody on the Market features Willowbrook Farms in Cassopolis, MI in “First ‘HYPE’ event awards young entrepreneurs, fuels creativity & dreams in business.”

• Lancaster Farming featured Drager Farms in Marietta, PA in “Silvopasture Pros Gather on Marietta Beef Farm to Discuss Planting and Grazing | Conservation and Renewable Energy News.”

• The New York Times featured Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW in “Why a Pasture-Raised Thanksgiving Turkey Costs $95.” (You must have a subscription to read this article)

• Perishable News featured Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW in “Good Meat Project Launches Good Meat Finder to Increase Transparency and Education for Consumers Who Want to Buy Local Meat.”

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.