This pledge, developed by the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA), eloquently expresses our farming philosophy.
Feel free to give us a call and stop by to "inspect" our farm.
NOFA Farmers' Pledge
We pledge that in our farming, marketing and processing, we will
- Reject the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers;
- Reject the use of GMOs, chemically treated seeds, synthetic toxic materials, irradiation, and sewage sludge;
- Treat livestock humanely by providing pasture for ruminants, access to outdoors and fresh air for all livestock, banning cruel alterations, and using no hormones or antibiotic in feed;
- Support agricultural markets and infrastructures that enable small farms to thrive;
- Maintain healthy soils by farming practices that include rotating crops annually, using compost, cover crops, and green manures, and reducing tillage;
- Conserve natural resources by reducing erosion and pollution of air, soil, and water through responsible farming practices;
- Maximize the nutritional value of food and feed by practicing careful post harvest handling;
- Practice minimal processing for all food products to preserve the natural nutritional value of food: NO use of irradiation, ultra-pasteurization, excessive heat, synthetic preservatives, or GMO processing agents or additives
- Reduce the ecological footprint of farms and homes by limiting energy use and converting to renewable sources of energy;
- Reduce food miles by selling produce locally and regionally;
- Create beneficial habitat for wildlife and encourage biodiversity;
- Help preserve farmland and farming know-how;
- Ensure food safety by using potable water for washing crops;
- Handle raw manure and soil amendments with care;
- Use ethical business practices;
- Pay a living wage to all farm workers and acknowledge their freedom of association and their right to collective bargaining;
- Treat family members and farm workers with respect, and ensure their safety on the farm;
- Work in cooperation with other farmers and with the neighboring community to create a more sustainable way of life;
- Sustain the land in healthy condition for future generations.
