Membership Organizations & Associations

Taking a page from the Gettysburg Address, these membership associations are for the producers, and by the producers. Membership to these Texas Membership Associations is entirely voluntary and we’ve grouped all of the local farms and producers by membership associations that are currently active in Texas and around the country. These associations aren’t just there by name, but they operate on principles that are focused around organic, humane, and sustainable practices. Many producers do not want people looking over their shoulders, but the producers listed here are different. They voluntarily subject themselves to these associations’ rules and policies to proudly reinforce that they truly care about sustainable practices and their commitment to it.

American Pastured Poultry Producers (APPPA) (51 listings)

A non-profit trade organization that encourages the production, processing, marketing and purchasing of poultry raised on pasture. They see pastured poultry as the model for environmentally, emotionally, and economically sensible poultry production that can feed your local communities uniquely nutritious, delicious, and humanely-raised chicken, eggs, turkey, ducks, geese and guineas. Pastured poultry require two things: access to grass (pasture) and frequent movement (rotation). Birds live outside as appropriate for the age of the bird and the season of the year.

Buy Fresh, Buy Local (8 listings)

Buy Fresh Buy Local is a nationwide, grassroots program managed by the FoodRoutes Network. The organization has state-based chapters that are coordinated locally. The label stands for quality foods grown and raised within your county. Those that carry this label have satisfied criteria that demonstrate their commitment to the mission of supporting local farms.

Chefs Collaborative (5 listings)

Chefs Collaborative sees chefs and food professionals as powerful change agents. The choices made by these people have the power to transform much more than just food. The organization aims to encourage those within this bracket to get collaborative, to expand their network, and connect with hundreds of like-minded chefs and food professionals across the country who care about sourcing, cooking, and serving better food, all while supporting and helping to create a better food system.

Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) (59 listings)

Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance is a national organization that supports independent family farmers and protects a healthy food supply for Americans. The alliance promotes common sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems. It advocates on behalf of the thousands of small-scale farmers and ranchers who produce food using sustainable/regenerative methods, which means they also work for the millions of consumers who care about protecting rights and traditional freedoms. Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance is based in Texas.

Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) (12 listings)

Their mission is to mobilize veterans to feed America. They aim to cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment opportunities and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. They believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. They believe that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.

Farmers Market Coalition (4 listings)

The Farmers Market Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening farmers markets across the United States so that they can serve as community assets while providing real income opportunities for farmers. The Coalition is driven by three complementary goals: Farmers earn fair prices for the fruits of their labor by selling directly to consumers. Consumers gain access to fresh, nutritious, local produce. Communities regain a figurative “town square”, experiencing the many positive outcomes of foot traffic and animated public space. 

Land Stewardship Project (LSP) (2 listings)

The Land Stewardship Project is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1982 to foster an ethic of stewardship for farmland, to promote sustainable agriculture and to develop healthy communities. It is dedicated to creating transformational change in our food and farming system. The Land Stewardship Project’s work has a broad and deep impact, from new farmer training and local organizing, to federal policy and community based food systems development. At the core of this work are the values of stewardship, justice, and democracy. 

National Farm To School Program (FTS) (5 listings)

The National Farm To School Program Network is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing, school gardens and food and agriculture education into schools and early care and education settings. Farm To School empowers children and families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities. The National Farm To School Program provides vision, leadership and support at the state, regional and national levels to connect and expand the farm to school movement which was established in the 1990s.

Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA)

Organic Crop Improvement Association International is one of the world’s oldest, largest and most trusted leaders in the organic certification industry. A non-profit, member-owned, agricultural organization, it is dedicated to providing the highest quality organic certification services and access to global organic markets. Organic Crop Improvement Association is an organic-certifying organization that also aids companies to access global marketplaces. 

Seafood Choices

The organization began in 1999 as a market-based program focused on increasing consumer awareness of sustainable seafood in order to influence what seafood businesses buy and how it is produced.  The success of this strategy has increased consumer demand for sustainable seafood and is driving many seafood producers to improve how they fish or farm so they can sell to the U.S. market. Seafood Watch has partnered with other organizations to create the labelling scheme of which seafood is ‘Best’ to buy, ‘Good’, or what you should ‘Avoid’ to help consumers feel knowledgeable about their choices.

Slow Food USA (25 listings)

Slow Food is an international grassroots movement in more than 160 countries. Slow Food USA exists to facilitate and grow individual engagement in the movement, organize gatherings of the Slow Food network, direct campaigns to spread the Slow Food message, and build solidarity through partnerships with organizational entities both internal and external to the Slow Food network. Their goal is ambitious: good, clean, and fair food for all.

Browse Slow Food members by Chapter

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) (5 listings)

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group was founded in 1991 to foster a movement towards a more sustainable farming and food system - one that is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, and humane. They function as a regional entity, working with and through hundreds of associated organizations across 13 southern states. By building partnerships, sharing information, and conducting analysis, they transform isolated ideas and innovations into practical tools and approaches for widespread use. The vision of the group is a world in which everyone has access to wholesome food from a just, sustainable farming and food system that supports good environmental stewardship and quality of life for all.

Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (TOFGA) (67 listings)

Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association is the leading voice of education and advocacy for organic food production in Texas. As a member-run, member-funded organization, it includes farmers, ranchers, gardeners, dairies, cheese makers, soil amendment producers, nurseries, food markets, farmers markets, educators, students, and more. Their mission is to educate producers and consumers on the many benefits of organic agriculture and to promote its use throughout Texas. They host numerous educational workshops and farm tours throughout the year.

The Livestock Conservancy (7 listings)

The Livestock Conservancy was set up to protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. Many of America’s once-common farm animals are currently facing extinction. Rare breeds represent an irreplaceable piece of the earth’s biodiversity and offer incredible variety that may be needed for future farms - robust health, mothering instincts, foraging, and the ability to thrive in a changing climate. These farm animals are a vital part of ensuring food security for our planet.

American Grass Fed Association (AGA) (6 listings)

Their certification is third-party verified and guarantees that when consumers buy grass fed beef with the American Grass Fed Association logo, they are ensured it was born, raised, and processed in the USA, that the animals were treated humanely, and that they were grazed regeneratively. This confirms to shopkeepers and the consumer that American Grass Fed Association certified producers are improving soils, water quality, biodiversity, and American farming communities. Anyone can join to become a member, with different levels of membership based on whether they are Certified American Grass Fed, working towards certification, or just supportive of the organisation. This gives access to various benefits, dependent on the tier of membership. They also stand by the rights of farmers and ranchers to make a living that not only supports their families, but encourages next-generation succession through education, support, and marketing. Their website also serves as a resource hub for those that are looking for more information on the highest-end animal husbandry, regenerative methods, and holistic management of livestock.

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