Chatham Marketplace

A PURCHASING POLICY FOR CHATHAM MARKETPLACE

INTRODUCTION

This Purchasing Policy is meant to give Chatham Marketplace staff and owners focused direction and a clear understanding of our priorities and commitments when purchasing products for sale. This statement of principles, generally worded for flexibility, will be part of CM’s policies and posted on the web page for general information and educational benefit. We welcome and expect member/owner input in our purchasing policy. Please contact Laura Lauffer at LauraLauffer@nc.rr.com.

THE POLICY

The Purchasing Policy of Chatham Marketplace shall be in accordance with the following principles. These principles will guide the cooperative in local buying practices to assure consistent quality and support of our local agricultural community.

The Co-op will carry safe, healthful products that are produced in the most environmentally sound manner available.

The Co-op will strive to promote social and economic responsibility through its purchasing and pricing.

The Co-op will carry products whose creation/production respects all creatures.

The Co-op will strive to carry products that are of high nutritional content, quality, and value.

The Co-op first and foremost seeks quality products produced in Chatham County. Staff will evaluate price, availability, quality and proximity when purchasing products within our definition of local- 250 miles from Pittsboro.

Compliance with this Purchasing Policy will be verified through the Farm Visit Protocol and the Producer Affidavit.

Criteria- Producers must meet a minimum set of criteria to be eligible to sell to Chatham Marketplace. However, each specific element of the list must be addressed during the farm visit giving the buyer a full and complete picture of production practices. The producer will respond to each element listed in each category whether that element is met or not.

PRODUCE

The Co-op will maintain a top quality, certified organic produce section and/or will carry produce determined to meet at least three of the following criteria: Products that meet more than three criteria will be preferred.

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. no synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides)
3. free of chemical/synthetic fertilizers
4. produced on farms that create dignified and safe employment
5. GMO free
6. produced with soil conservation practices that enhance and protect soil and water quality. (examples are stream buffers, crop rotation, no till, organic amendments, cover crops etc- to be recorded on farm visit form)

MEAT

The Co-op will maintain a top quality, certified organic meat section and/or will carry meat determined to meet our high standards. All meat products from ruminants sold in our store must be fed a diet free of animal products or by-products. Also, CM prohibits the intentional inclusion of manure or litter in feed for any animals. Meat that is not certified organic must meet at least four of the following criteria (products that meet more than four criteria will be preferred):

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. no synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides in production system including barns, pastures or animal application)
2. no synthetic hormones
3. antibiotic free
4 . free, clear and apparent utilization of outdoors
6. no chemical/synthetic fertilizers used in the pastures
7. produced with soil conservation practices that enhance and protect soil and water quality (examples are stream buffers, crop rotation, no till, organic amendments, cover crops etc- to be recorded on farm visit form)
8. GMO free feed
9. produced using best management practices for animal waste (examples include; composting, field dressing (according to crop/cover needs), stream buffers-to be listed on farm visit form)
10. no irradiation
11. nitrate free
12. 100% grass fed beef
13. adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry (see Addendum A).

SEAFOOD

The Co-op will maintain a top quality, certified organic seafood section and/or seafood determined to meet at least three of the following criteria: Products that meet more than three criteria will be preferred.

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. not deemed over fished or threatened (as defined by Seafood Watch)
3. meet sustainable feeding methods
4. no GMO species
5. GMO free feed
6. no irradiation
7. adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry (see Addendum A).

DAIRY

The Co-op will maintain a top quality, certified organic dairy section and/or dairy determined to meet our high standards. All dairy products sold in our store must be from animals fed a diet free of animal products or by-products. Also, CM prohibits the intentional inclusion of manure or litter in feed for any animals. Dairy products that are not certified organic must meet at least four of the following criteria (products that meet more than four criteria will be preferred):

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. hormone free
3. antibiotic free
4. from animals with free, clear and apparent access to the outdoors
5. no synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) in pasture
6. no synthetic/chemical fertilizers used in the pasture
7. produced with soil conservation practices that enhance and protect soil and water quality. (examples are stream buffers, crop rotation, no till, organic amendments, cover crops etc- to be recorded on farm visit form)
8. GMO free feed.
9. produced using best management practices for animal waste (examples include; composting, field dressing (according to crop/cover needs), stream buffers-to be listed on farm visit form)
11. adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry (see Addendum A).

PREPARED AND PROCESSED GOODS

The Co-op will maintain a top quality, certified organic prepared and processed goods section and/or prepared and processed goods determined to meet at least three of the following criteria: Products that meet more than three criteria will be preferred.

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. minimally packaged
3. preservative free
4. produced with fair labor practices
5. GMO free
6. do not contain irradiated ingredients
7. adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry (see Addendum A).

EGGS

The Co-op will carry top quality, certified organic eggs and/or eggs determined to meet at least three of the following criteria: Products that meet more than three criteria will be preferred.

1. locally produced within a 250-mile radius of Pittsboro
2. hormone free
3. antibiotic free
4. from hens with free, clear and apparent access to the outdoors
5. no synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) in the feed or in the area the hens are roaming
6. no synthetic/chemical fertilizers used in ranging area
7. GMO free feed
8. produced using best management practices for animal waste (examples include; composting, field dressing (according to crop/cover needs), stream buffers-to be listed on farm visit form)
9. adheres to the Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry (see Addendum A).

Customers will be notified via conspicuous labeling if a particular item (in any category) meeting the above criteria is not available due to market conditions, and if a substitute product is available.

RATIONALE

1. Environmental Impact

The co-op will strive to minimize the environmental impact of the products we carry by purchasing minimally packaged products and by offering an extensive bulk goods section.

To reduce the impact of hazardous chemicals in the environment and diet, the co-op is committed to purchasing certified organic produce, ideally from local sources as well as other certified organic products. In addition we are committed to purchasing non certified products that meet our purchasing criteria (listed above).

By obtaining products, food or non-food, from local or regional sources, the Co-op will help to minimize pollution due to excessive transportation of these products. An added benefit is the promotion and empowerment of local farmers and craftspeople who need our support.

2. Social and Economic Responsibility

We seek to purchase products produced by farms and businesses that create dignified and safe employment. When the Co-op buys from worker cooperatives, companies and farms with good labor practices, and sustainable small farmers and craftspeople, we promote ethical, socially responsible business practices and help to create a more inclusive community.

Our goal is to create a shopping environment that is inclusive to all members of our community. To reach that goal we will strive to carry a range of products that make healthy, sustainable food choices accessible to people of all income levels. Every department in our store will offer some products at prices close to or comparable to conventional competitors.

3. Respect for All Creatures

Chatham Marketplace will carry animal products produced in a humane manner. The criteria for purchasing meat and dairy products are listed above.

Chatham Marketplace is respectful of consumers who choose not to eat animal products and will offer vegan and vegetarian options.

4. Nutrition

Chatham Marketplace will offer both processed and fresh food items that meet our above criteria. In addition, we will strive to provide choices that support a balanced, healthy diet.

The board and management are open to continued discussion about the purchasing policy and encourage members to contact CM with any questions, recommendations or comments about the policy. Please contact Laura Lauffer at LauraLauffer@nc.rr.com.

Farmer/Co-op Relations

The producer relations committee will be a permanent feature of the Chatham Marketplace operations structure. The committee will be made up CO-OP owners of at least two board members, two representatives from local organizations that serve producers, and may include up to two owners who are also producers.

Any local producer who sells to the cooperative must sign an affidavit agreeing to the specific requirements in the purchasing policy and describe the production methods that meet our purchasing requirements.

In addition to signing the contract, a representative from the cooperative (staff, owner-volunteer or producer relations committee member) will visit the farm or production facility annually. The purpose of this visit is to further establish a working relationship with the manager and to assess the operation as a qualified supplier to the cooperative.

Prior to opening, as many farm visits will be done as possible, affidavits or provisional affidavit will be signed, producers should have their documents on file (permits, licenses, organics certifications, liability insurance, etc.) with Chatham Marketplace. Provisional approval will be granted based on the receipt of the affidavit.

Addendum A

Five Freedoms of Animal Husbandry

1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.

2. Freedom from discomfort - by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Freedom to express normal behavior - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind.

5. Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions that avoid mental suffering.

PRODUCER RELATIONS COMMITTEE

John Bonitz- CM board member, Staff/ RAFI USA
Doug Jones- local farmer
Laura Lauffer- CM board member
David DeLea- CM produce manager
Jeff Barney- CM meat buyer/head chef
Debbie Roos- Chatham County Cooperative Extension
Bill Dow- local farmer

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