08/08/07 Free web tool to help with Food Alliance certification

Washington Ag August 8, 2007 Farmers now have a free online tool available that allows them to compare their current management practices with "best practices" for sustainable agriculture. Farmers can also use the web tool to see if they would qualify for certification with the Food Alliance out of Portland, Oregon which could mean value-added marketing opportunities. The free web tool was developed through a partnership with Washington State University, Oregon State University with support from the Risk Management Agency. Jo Lynne Seufer with RMA explains. Seufer: "It really addresses several self-assessment tools to help them be certified. Those include safe and fair working conditions, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation and even wildlife conservation. In each of these areas the online tool provides background information on issues and risk management strategies to help farmers improve their management practices and as you stated, because they are certified it supports value added opportunities for these producers." Interested producers can visit http://sat.foodalliance.org I'm Bob Hoff.