Thank you for your interest in becoming part of FamilyFarmed.org! For the past few years, a key element of our work has been to support the growth of a regional food system in the Midwest. We do this by establishing markets for sustainable family farms and businesses in our region. Here is some more information about what kinds of farms and businesses should enroll in FamilyFarmed.org.
The Association of Family Farms defines family owned farms and enterprises as those where:
- We are personally invested in our business: Producers’ personal capital is invested in the business enterprise.
- We are the managers and operators of our enterprise: Major management and operational decisions are made and significant amounts of on-site labor are provided by members of the family.
- Our business is our livelihood: In a typical year, AFF-affiliated farms and businesses generate net cash income that improves the family’s standard of living.
- We are economically and socially invested in the communities in which our business is located: Every producer-owner in the Association of Family Farms makes a commitment to be an active participant in his or her community.
FamilyFarmed.org participating farms and businesses should also meet the following criteria:
Farms should be:
- Either certified organic, in transition to organic, or utilizing sustainable practices. This means using integrated pest management practices in fruit and vegetable production. Meat, poultry and dairy producers may not use synthetic hormones or sub-therapeutic antibiotics and must give animals access to pasture.
- Small- to mid-scale in size, family owned and/or operated primarily by family members.
- Located in the Midwestern region and capable of accessing Chicago markets.
Producers should be:
- The primary producer of its own products, at least some of which are food items.
- Product’s main ingredients should be procured locally whenever possible and/or produced through sustainable practices.
- Family-owned and run primarily by family members.
To enroll in FamilyFarmed.org, please complete either the Farmer Registration Form or the Business Registration Form and send it to: FamilyFarmed.org, 7115 W. North Ave. #504, Oak Park, IL 60302 or fax to 708.763.9925.
