You’ve got milk, but how do you let consumers know you’ve got good milk?

The Portland-based Food Alliance, a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable farming practices, has launched a dairy certification program to do just that.

The first three Northwest dairies to be awarded the organization’s seal of approval are Washington dairies Norman Brook Farm of North Bend, Mesman Farm of Mt. Vernon and Country Charm of Arlington. The “Food Alliance-Approved” label recognizes these three dairies as leaders in the region’s sustainable dairy production.

“Things like this are coming,” said Mesman Farm’s Alan Mesman of the emerging market for eco-friendly dairy products. “The Food Alliance seal of approval promotes a good public image for our farm.”

The Food Alliance-Approved seal lets consumers know that dairies have met a host of criteria, including protection of natural resources, fair labor practices, and healthy and humane treatment of animals. Dairy producers must also sign affidavits stating that cows are not injected with synthetic bovine growth hormones (rBGH).

Holly Jarvis, general manager of the Food Front Co-op in Portland, Ore., said that in surveys of its members they’ve found that sustainable agriculture ranks high in customer purchasing choices. “There is a strong interest in sustainable labels.”

Since 1997, The Food Alliance has certified over 150 farms and ranches in eight states. To receive TFA’s seal of approval, farmers must satisfy a broad range of criteria that: promote healthy soil and streams; restoration and preservation of wildlife habitat; reduction or elimination of pesticides, humane treatment of animals; and a fair and safe work environment for employees.

For more go to www.thefoodalliance.org. Dairies interested in certification can contact Rebecca Siplak at 503-493-1066.