Dear PASA Members & Friends,

There’s a “buzz” in the air and it’s called sustainability. As a PASA member, I’m sure you’ve already felt it. Whether it was at a field day, during one of the sumptuous Harvest Celebration Dinners or at the annual Farming for the Future conference, it’s the emotion that wells up inside of you because you know in your heart that you’ve chosen to make a difference in your family, in your community and in the world.

The word “sustainable” has been sprouting up like April dandelions in the mainstream media. It seems like everywhere I look, I’m being urged to buy local in one way or another.
Is it just me or are PASA members standing around looking at each other and asking if more
citizens of planet Earth are starting to “get it?” Everyday more people are examining their fundamental choices such as food, shelter and communities, and are making significant changes to their personal lives and business practices for the common good. This has become especially true with our food system. We have been challenged to examine how our personal decisions enable us to reach out, touch the world and make a difference.

PASA is an environment where I have cultivated many friendships and mentorships. The diversity of people offers an endless array of ideas. I have been just as inspired by inner city youths growing their first tomato as I have by seasoned experts with acreages that feed thousands. Despite the diversity within this single organization, it is a place where people can “agree to disagree agreeably” as well as nurture unique and innovative ideas without the fear of criticism for breaking away from the norm.

Has PASA made a difference in your life? If so, I hope that you will consider investing in the
future of this amazing organization. I’ve chosen to invest in PASA with a Lifetime membership and additional giving throughout the year. There are many opportunities to support PASA. What we are asking you to consider this spring is sending a contribution to boost the Annual Fund. PASA moves far beyond the traditional agricultural organizations. We are transforming not just farms and communities, but the entire food system, and funds are imperative for these activities.

When I first joined PASA, I thought that all I would get was a cool sticker for the back of my
truck and a quarterly newsletter like so many other organizations I’ve belonged to. Wow, was I ever wrong.

This organization is a virtual hive of productive activity! Even in the face of adversity, such as the recent milk labeling issue or when fellow farmers like those affected by Hurricane Katrina are in dire need of help, our membership has always shined. I continue to be sincerely impressed and grateful by PASA’s willingness to step forward.

I am asking our membership to step forward again in helping PASA achieve the 2008 Annual
Fund goal of raising $230,000 so we can all continue in our mission of “promoting profitable farms which produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment.”

Without PASA, Painted Hand Farm would not be where we are today. The farm has gone from a literal garbage dump awaiting subdivision to a diversified family farm offering direct sales and participating in a local farmers market.

How incredible is it that farming practices such as organic and grass-fed, which were even recently considered radical, have now become mainstream and in high demand? And where else can you have an elegant meal, knowing that those in the same room produced practically every morsel going into your mouth?

It kind of makes you wonder what emerging ideas today are going to take hold and help solve the problems of tomorrow. Let’s help drive the future in a more sustainable direction. The momentum is there. Let’s keep it going.

Please use the enclosed Contribution Card to send a donation to PASA today. Try and send a gift that is personally significant to you. I’ll bet it will feel really good.

Warmest regards,
Sandra Miller
Painted Hand Farm

Promoting Profitable Farms Which Produce Healthy Food
For All People While Respecting The Natural Environment