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 The Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance SWGLA (pronounced Swigla) is an alliance of producers, consumers, land managers, conservationists, and researchers that seeks to improve human, ecological and animal health, and strengthen local agricultural communities by educating producers, and the public about grassfed livestock products.
Why grassfed food?
According to author and researcher Jo Robinson, "When grazing animals are raised on their natural diet of grass instead of grain, their products are lower in bad fat and calories, but higher in potentially lifesaving good fats. Grassfarming is healthier for animals, for farm families, for consumers, and for the planet."
SWGLA's goal is to help resolve challenges that confront grassfed food in the Southwest. We believe grassfed food has the potential to strengthen ranch economies, bring jobs to rural counties, and become a healthy food alternative for urban consumers. The challenges are many, however. That is why we think an Alliance is necessary: there is great strength in numbers and diversity.
SWGLA formed in April 2003 at a meeting of ranchers and conservationists. A Board of Officers was elected at the 1st Annual Meeting, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as part of the Quivira Coalition's 3rd Annual Conference. It was the goal of SWGLA to lay all the issues on the table and try to achieve a democratic consensus on the structure, function, and future of the organization.
In the last four years SWGLA grew into a dynamic organization holding workshops, testing’s and collaborating with partner organizations in agricultural, health, environment and rural economic development. A changing market environment is also reflected in a change in leadership with a very active Executive Director in 2006 and 2007. Unfortunately for SWGLA, Tawnya Laveta moved on to higher callings and leaves the new board of Directors with the challenge to find an adequate replacement. We will keep any progress posted on this site.
SWGLA needs your support as well. As a fledgling 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization with limited financial income, it needs every membership and contribution it can get. A BASIC MEMBERSHIP IS $25 ANNUALLY and is tax deductible. This will get you a subscription to the SWGLA newsletter, updates on upcoming events, and a warm, fuzzy feeling all over. Larger contributions will help the organization tremendously.
To become a member, make your check out to 'SWGLA' and mail it to our address:
3900 Paseo del Sol
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-231-3467
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