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.