California is one of the most productive agricultural states in the nation and the small / family farmer is the hub around which the entire system turns. A group of us have asked Minnesota's Land Stewardship Project for guidance to set up a similar system here. The LSP has been very helpful, providing us with guidelines and protocols to help ensure that smallholders can and will be able to provide their customers with claims that can be easily verified. The USDA has quite a few good programs like Never Ever 3, Certified Grass fed, etc. but these programs are expensive. Animal Welfare Approved is the best program around currently and we want to combine the great work of these organizations into a workable system for California. It is going to take time and a Lot of work but we want to be able to give the Farmer a voice and the consumer peace of mind in a time when inferiority reigns supreme. meg