Many
farmers (including us), for valid personal, philosophical, and
political reason, do not wish to have their farms and their
practices associated with the National Organic Program.
For
us, the expensive intrusion into our lives just isn't worth it. Our
only customers are our CSA members and we know most of them by face and
name. We don't ship our vegetables great distances to be bought by
folks we will never see or know, so we don't need the guarantee of the
"organic" label. We would much rather have you come out to the farm and
take a look around at how we farm and the practices we use. Walk amonst
the plants and see for yourself. It doesn't get any better than that.
Know your farmer and know your food.
We like the Michigan
Farmers Pledge because it covers growing practices and so much more
that is important to us (and hopefully you too).
A
Michigan Farmer’s
Pledge
On our farm we ...
Promise to build and maintain healthy soils by
using acceptable crop rotations, cover and green manure crops, compost
and manure where appropriate and available, and natural mineral
supplements when needed.
Vow to protect the soil, water and air by
preventing erosion and reducing pollution through the most responsible
farming practices we can implement.
Promise to use environmentally friendly farming
methods and refrain from using synthetic insecticides, herbicides,
fungicides, synthetic fertilizers, chemically treated seeds,
irradiation, sewage sludge and toxic materials, choosing to rely on
materials that are acceptable for use on organic farms.
Pledge to use traditional methods of plant and
animal breeding and reject the use of animal cloning and genetic
modification or engineering (GMO or GE) of seeds, and other inputs
using this technology.
Promise to treat all livestock humanely and
provide access to the outdoors and fresh air, preferably as pasture, to
all animals on the farm and to use no antibiotics, hormones or GMOs in
feed.
Will conserve the nutritional value of food and
feed by careful handling during and after harvest.
Promise to use health and environment friendly
processing methods.
Treat family members, volunteers and farm workers
with respect, ensure their safety on the farm, provide a challenging
and comfortable work environment, and pay them as well as the situation
permits.
Cooperate with other farmers to preserve farmland
and farming knowledge.
Cooperate with community leaders and members to
create the most local food system possible in our area and a more
sustainable way of life for all.
Practice conservation of energy whenever possible.
Support agricultural markets and infrastructures
that enable small farms to thrive.
Encourage biodiversity and practice its
conservation on our farms.
Maintain the land in healthy condition for future
generations of farmers.
Copyright
© 2018
Chimney Creek Farm. All rights
reserved