Sustainable Food Trade Association
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I. Company and Contact Information
Company Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: _______________________ Title:____________________________________________
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________
Country:_____________ Phone: ______________________ Fax:________________________________
Contact Person E-mail:____________________________Website:_______________________________
If a current SFTA Member referred you, please provide contact information:
Company Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: _______________________________________________________________________
II. Business Description (REQUIRED)
If applying for SFTA Full membership, you must answer the following questions to determine your
eligibility for membership. A business that is wholly-owned or partially-owned subsidiary of a larger
corporation may become a Full or Associate Member so long as they meet the eligibility criteria, and
sign the Statement of Autonomy (see last page).
A. Please check the ONE box that best describes your business or organization:
__ grower __ processor /manufacturer __ handler /distributor __ broker __ retailer
__ other_____________
B. Organic Products: Do you produce, distribute or sell at least one certified organic product line and have a
demonstrated commitment to grow the percentage of your business that is organic? Please list relevant items,
brand names, products carried or business services, and your organic certifier, if relevant.
__ Yes __ No __ In process
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
C. SFTA holds a commitment to eliminating Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in all products,
processes and materials (packaging, fuel, farm inputs, etc.). Have you taken steps to eliminate genetically
modified food ingredients and do you hold a commitment to work toward eliminating GMOs?
__ Yes __ No __ Need more information
III. Select Membership Category and Dues Level (REQUIRED)
SFTA has three membership categories—Full Members, Associate Members and Friends. Full Members are
the only category with voting rights for our Board of Directors. Please see our Membership Categories &
Benefits document for details and select the appropriate membership category with your dues level. You may
also a sponsorship level if desired. Dues are based on Gross Annual Revenue $US.
___ FULL MEMBERSHIP
**COMMIT TO WRITING AN ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP**
___ <$500,000
___ $500,001-$10 Million
___ $10-20 Million
___ $20-50 Million
___ $50-100 Million
___ $100-200 Million
___ $200-$400
___ Above $400 Million
$300
$500
$1,000
$1,250
$1,850
$2,500
$3,000
$3,750
___ ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
___ < $500,001
___ $500,000-10 Million
___ $10-20 Million
___ $20-50 Million
___ $50-100 Million
___ $100-200 Million
___ $200-$400 Million
___ $400 M-$1 Billion
___ Above $1Billion
$150
$300
$500
$625
$925
$1,250
$1,500
$1,875
$2,250
FRIENDS & AFFILIATES
___ Allied food or non-food company
___ Individuals
$500
$100
IV. Sponsorship Opportunities (OPTIONAL)
Join us as an SFTA sponsor! See attached benefits summary for details. Every Sponsorship includes
acknowledgment in FTSLA's communications, workshops and meetings, which reach across the food and organic
sectors, and diverse media.
___ Major Sponsor
$8,000
___ Lead Sponsor
$5,000
___ Seed Sponsor
$2,000
SFTA dues and sponsorships are not charitable contributions, but may be deductible as a professional or business expense to
the extent allowable by law.
V. Payment Information
Payment Total $_________
__ Check enclosed or __ Please send me an invoice
Make checks payable to “Sustainable Food Trade Association” and mail to
626 NE Rosa Parks Way Portland, OR 97211
VERIFICATION:
Your company’s qualification for the member category you have selected is subject to review and approval by
SFTA. To the best of my knowledge, the information provided in this application is complete and accurate.
Name: ________________________________________Title:______________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________Date:_____________________________________
FOR SUBSIDIARIES ONLY: Statement of Autonomy
I affirm that _____________________, a subsidiary of ____________________ has uncompromised
authority to pursue membership in the Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA) and strive for
continuous improvement in the eleven action areas defined in the SFTA’s Declaration of Sustainability in
the Organic Food Trade (attached).
Name: ________________________________________Title:______________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________Date:______________________________________
VI. Declaration of Sustainability in the Organic Food Trade
(ONLY REQUIRED FOR FULL & ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP)
As growers, processors, handlers, distributors, brokers, and retailers in the organic food trade, we are
deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental pollution and degradation,
climate change and depletion of natural and human resources that our business practices may cause. We
believe urgent actions are needed to address these fundamental problems and reverse these trends.
Vision
Our vision is to conduct our businesses in a way that meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We recognize that ecology,
human communities and the economy are interwoven into a seamless net of causes and effects. Therefore
we embrace the challenge to move our operations and actions toward sustainable models where the
management of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of development, and the evolution
of the organic food trade becomes consistent with the principles of sustainability.
Principles
We will endeavor to establish a culture of sustainability where the following four "systems conditions"
will be standard throughout the organic food trade (The Natural Step):
1. Our companies will endeavor systematically to reduce and eventually eliminate their economic
dependence on substances extracted from the earth's crust, such as heavy metals and fossil fuels.
2. Our companies will endeavor systematically to reduce and eventually eliminate their economic
dependence on synthetic and bio-accumulating toxic substances produced by humans, such as fossilfuel based plastics, synthetic pesticides/herbicides and soil amendments, manufacturing and building
materials, other synthetic toxic materials as well as growth hormones and genetically modified
organisms.
3. Our companies will endeavor systematically to reduce and eventually eliminate their dependence on
materials and processes that degrade the 'stocks' and 'flows' of 'natural capital' such as soil, air, water,
plants, habitat etc. harvested in environmentally damaging ways and quantities.
4. Our companies will endeavor to systematically reduce and eventually eliminate their economic
dependence on actions that increase inequity in the way resources are distributed. Companies must
implement active approaches that guarantee all workers in our industry access to fair wages, sufficient
benefits and quality work conditions.
We, therefore, agree to strive for continuous progressive improvement and to practice transparency
in annually auditing our organizations in the following 11 actionable areas.
1) Organic—We recognize the many benefits of organic farming for the health of the soil, water
resources, plant, animal and human communities. We will strive to source the food products we vend
from farms using organic methods. Furthermore, we will strive to source all agriculturally derived
products (fiber, bio-based fuels and packaging, company meals, etc) we use in our operations from farms
and supply sources using organic methods and offering organically grown product lines. We recognize the
importance of independent third-party certification as an assurance that organic methods are being
followed and will endeavor to verify all organic claims before vending a product.
2) Distribution—We will strive to produce, pack, transport, and distribute products from field to market
using the most efficient means possible with the most environmentally responsible renewable fuel
sources. We will systematically improve our energy efficiency, reduce our energy consumption, and
reduce food-miles whenever possible.
3) Energy—We will strive to store, process, distribute and vend our products using energy resources in
the most resourceful means possible with energy efficiency best management practices. We will utilize
the most environmentally responsible renewable energy opportunities whenever possible such as solar,
wind, hydro, and geothermal.
4) Climate Change—We will strive to actively reduce all production, storage, processing, and retail
practices that create the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. We will measure the
carbon footprint of our operations and strive for achieving carbon-neutrality in all of our business
practices.
5) Water— We will strive to reduce our use of fresh water and to optimize our operations to be so that all
water use is as efficient as possible. We will raise awareness of regional and local water issues through
education and information sharing. We commit to managing our water resources with the realization that
multiple water stressors exist today, creating a situation where water is an increasingly scarce resource.
6) Waste—We will strive to reduce waste at the source and treat waste in a way that sustains all living
systems, through reusing, donating, recycling, and composting. When necessary we will utilize
environmentally sound disposal systems. We will continually redesign our operations so that eventually
“waste” will be eliminated because all material will become the raw material for new products and uses.
7) Packaging— We will strive to implement a zero-waste approach to packaging. This will entail: 1)
reducing the amount of packaging we use, 2) actively participating in the development of packaging that
is reusable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable; 3) considering packaging material contents when making all
purchasing decisions, and 4) collaborating with buyers and suppliers on creative solutions which eliminate
unsustainable packaging throughout the value chain.
8) Labor—We acknowledge that those communities which protect and work the land are particularly
vulnerable and must be treated fairly. We will strive to ensure that growers and handlers of food products
collaborate to guarantee basic labor rights and verifiable improvements in the lives of farm workers and
their communities. We will work to ensure that all workers are given the opportunity to give feedback
about their needs and wants. We will develop and implement company policies, procedures, training and
internal reporting structures to ensure commitment to good labor practices throughout our organization.
These labor practices will include ensuring that we compensate our employees to enable them to meet at
least their basic needs and provide the opportunity to improve their skill and capability in order to raise
their social and economic opportunities, promoting equal opportunity for our employees at all levels of the
company, and provide a safe and healthy workplace.
9) Animal Care—We will strive to ensure that livestock and poultry have access to clean and sufficient
food and water; that their environment is not dangerous to their health; that they have sufficient protection
from weather elements; that they have sufficient space allowance in order for them to move naturally
including access to pasture; and other features to ensure the safety, health and comfort of the animal. In
addition, that managers and caretakers be thoroughly trained, skilled and competent in animal husbandry
and welfare, and have good working knowledge of their system and the livestock and poultry in their care.
10) Consumer Education— We will strive to provide consumers, employees, our communities, and the
media accurate, useful and timely information about all of the areas listed in this document.
11) Governance—We will strive to review our progress toward these goals on a regular basis by
conducting self audits and being transparent with all employees and the public with the results. We will
actively engage in communication across the trade to solve sustainability related challenges and will
facilitate dialogue regarding action.
SIGNATORY FORM
As a grower, processor, manufacturer, handler, distributor, broker and/or retailer in the organic food trade,
we are deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental pollution and
degradation, climate change, and depletion of natural and human resources. We believe urgent actions are
needed to address these fundamental problems and reverse these trends. We endorse this Declaration of
Sustainability and agree to strive for continuous progressive improvement and to practice transparency in
annually auditing our organizations in accordance with these principles.
Declaration of Sustainability Signatory
__________________________________________________
Organization
President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director and/ or General Manager
(REQUIRED FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP)
_________________________________________________
Name
_______________________________________________
Signature
Primary Representative active in SFTA
_________________________________________________
Name
_______________________________________________
Signature