Greetings from ISAMPA! We are contacting you with exciting news about our efforts to support independent producers of poultry and rabbit meat in our region, as well as to solicit your 2008 membership in the organization.
You are receiving this letter probably because you joined ISAMPA in 2007, or because other members have referred you.
ISAMPA-WNC is an association of independent small farms that advocates for farmers engaged in independent poultry and meat rabbit production. Specific areas of action include:
• Dissemination of best practices for raising, processing and marketing small meat animals;
• Support for the development of a small-scale small animal processing facility meeting state or federal inspection requirements;
• Creating a fellowship of like-minded independent producers;
• Raising public awareness of small animal meat products humanely raised and processed in a manner that contributes to the social, economic, and environmental well being of western North Carolina's people and natural resources.
ISAMPA was legally incorporated in October 2007 and a board of directors was elected to serve in November 2007. Current board members are:
Walter Harrill, Imladris Farm, President and Board Chair
Meredith McKissick, Crooked Creek Farm, Secretary
Stephen McMurray, After Hours Farm, Treasurer
Mike Brown, Farside Farm
Natalie Veres, Grateful Growers Farm
In order to sustain a strong and active organization, the membership has agreed that a small annual membership fee is necessary. Benefits to membership include:
• Participation in decision-making for building and operation of a small-scale inspected processing facility serving independent growers, including design and equipment acquisition;
• Participation in developing targeted training and educational programs to improve production and profitability;
• One-on-one consultation with professional service providers for business planning and market development advice;
• Fellowship with other independent producers and the opportunity to share best practices.
Membership fees are $20 per year for eligible voting members and $25 for non-voting affiliate members. Fees are to be used exclusively for conducting organizational business, including but not restricted to bank fees and meeting costs.
Full voting membership in ISAMPA-WNC is restricted to active farm-based producers currently engaged in non-contractual poultry or rabbit production, or who plan to be in non-contractual poultry or rabbit production within one year. Membership is on a per farm basis, and each member farm has one vote in ISAMPA affairs.
Non-voting affiliate membership is open to all individuals and organizations that support the organization's mission. For application form go to:
Membership Application for Voting and Affiliate Members
Please send checks made out to ISAMPA and mail to:
Stephen McMurray
ISAMPA Treasurer
123 Dale Lane
Lawndale, NC 28090
If you do not receive your membership card and receipt within two weeks of mailing your check, please contact Mr. McMurray at 704-538-7095, or by email at afterhoursfarms@wildblue.net.
Sincerely,
Smithson Mills
On behalf of ISAMPA