Walk a Mile in a Farmer’s Boots
Like millions of fellow Americans, you work hard every day to do the best job you can and provide for your family. Now imagine how disheartening it must be to know your boss or supervisor or customers are being told…
Common Ground
Whatever your political persuasion, the current levels of social conflict and division we’re seeing today aren’t sustainable for any society. In times of social tension, we tend to seek safety among those who think and feel the same. In our…
Sidelined by Sustainability
By Whitney Witthaus and Zachary Herman As participants in or producers of sustainable food, you have already begun your deconstruction of ‘normal.’ In altering and improving your methods of production, you are not only working to protect and enhance the…
AGW’s Letter to The New York Times
Last month the New York Times published an article floating the idea of taxing beef to combat climate change. Here's our response: To the Editor: Instead of taxing beef, we should tax silver bullet “solutions.” Richard Conniff’s “The Case for…
For Meat, Eggs and Dairy, USDA Organic Has Officially Sold Out. Here’s What You Can Do.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just officially announced the withdrawal of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. This rule, set to come into force this year, would have introduced a range of (albeit relatively…
Will the Real Grassfed Please Stand Up?
Dear Aggie, What is the difference between Certified Grassfed by AGW and other grassfed labels? Thanks, Wondering in Wyoming Dear Wondering, According to recent research, demand for grassfed beef has increased by 25-30 percent every year over the last decade.…
Welfare Birth Through Slaughter
Dear Aggie, I’m glad to know you visit the farms to see how the animals are raised, but what about slaughter - how do you guarantee it is done humanely? -Curious in Kentucky Dear Curious, Our standards go into great…
Scaling Sustainability
Dear Aggie, I’m trying to make better purchasing decisions, and love what you do. I want to support systems like you certify, but I wonder if these kinds of farms can really supply larger markets and make a difference in…
Holiday Giving Season
Dear Aggie, The holiday giving season is almost here. With so many different charities asking for donations, why should I give to AGW? We understand that you may feel bombarded or overwhelmed by nonprofits competing for your donations at this…
Climate-Conscious in Cincinnati
Dear Aggie, I’ve heard cutting out meat from my diet will help save the world. Is that true? Climate-Conscious in Cincinnati Dear Climate-Conscious, Thanks so much for writing in and asking such a timely question. We actually wrote a short…
Certification vs. Regulation
Dear Aggie, Why are certification programs necessary? Doesn’t USDA or anyone else have any general farm animal welfare guidelines for farms and slaughter plants? Thanks, Asking in Alaska Dear Alaska, The truth is that voluntary programs, such as those offered…
All in the Family
Dear Aggie, I heard you only certify family farms – what does that mean? Thanks, Mom in Maine Dear Mom, Thanks for asking. We all want to support our nation’s farmers and I’m sure you’ve seen the growth in the…
