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.