The Food Alliance

The Food Alliance (TFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture practices. A coalition comprised of farmers, consumers, scientists, grocers, processors, distributors, farm worker representatives and environmentalists, TFA’s members work together to promote "Good Food for a Healthy Future." TFA is dedicated to the long-term goal of helping farmers and ranchers become more economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible. TFA and the Midwest Food Alliance work in partnership, using the same set of endorsement criteria and Food Alliance-Approved label to market sustainably grown products.

The "Food Alliance – Approved" program allows farmers who meet the Food Alliance's strict requirements to market their products with The Food Alliance's seal of approval. Through this program, TFA recognizes and rewards farmers who produce food in environmentally and socially responsible ways, while simultaneously educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable agriculture. Food Alliance stickers can be found on produce in grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the Midwest and Northwest. A seal of approval for dairy and beef products will be available soon. All Food Alliance-Approved farms share a common goal of reduced environmental impact and social responsibility. The Food Alliance Guiding Principles which are used to evaluate all commodities under the eco-labeling program include: protecting and conserving soil and water resources; reducing, if not eliminating, the use of pesticides; conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat; conserving and recycling nutrients; providing safe and fair working conditions; producing crops without the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs); and raising livestock in healthy and humane conditions, and without administering either growth stimulating hormones or sub-therapeutic antibiotics.

The FoodRoutes Network supports the efforts of TFA to further develop its successful eco-labeling initiative in the northwest and Midwest and to expand to additional regions. The FoodRoutes Network support is currently contributing to TFA programs which are: conducting consumer messaging research to identify slogans that resonate with both Midwest and Northwest consumers; increasing the number of TFA affiliates by exploring partners in additional regional centers; strengthening the viability of family owned farms by supporting research to determine how best to highlight the importance of family farms in the Food Alliance Program; and disseminating lessons learned regarding eco-labeling. While there are several organizations in the United States pursuing eco-labeling methods, TFA's broadly focused approach encompasses not only growing methods, but also takes into account the environmental benefits of best management practices, the human dimension of agriculture, and public health. This unique approach produces an exemplary labeling program that has the potential for national success.