Resolution

WHEREAS voluntary participation in such guidelines can encourage farmers to proactively commit to environmentally responsible and sustainable practices, allowing them to make progress at their own pace and according to their financial resources;

WHEREAS mandatory adherence to these guidelines may place financial burdens on farmers, particularly those with limited financial resources;

BE IT RESOLVED that APAS lobby to ensure that environmental, governance, and sustainability guideline requirements remain voluntary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that environmental, governance, and sustainability guidelines never be tied to credit and financing.