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Presented by Cucina di Madre Terra – honoring the restaurants, chefs, and producers who elevate local sourcing into unforgettable dining.
FARM-TO-TABLE EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION™
CLARITY IN A WORLD OF “FARM-TO-TABLE” BUZZWORDS
Diners everywhere are asking the same questions: Where did this come from? Who grew it? Can I trust that this is truly farm-to-table? Yet there is still no universal, official “farm-to-table certification” standard. That’s why Cucina di Madre Terra created the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ – a curated, values-driven way to honor restaurants that authentically live the farm-to-table philosophy.
WHAT IS THE FARM-TO-TABLE EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION™?
The Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ is an editorially guided recognition program presented by Cucina di Madre Terra. It highlights restaurants that are deeply committed to local sourcing, seasonal menus, and respectful relationships with farmers, fishers, ranchers, and makers.
This is not a government-issued certification or a pay-to-play badge. Instead, it is a mark of integrity, transparency, and connection to local food systems. We recognize the restaurants that are already doing the work – and help diners find them with confidence.
WHO THIS IS FOR
- Chef-driven restaurants committed to local, seasonal menus.
- Bistros and cafés partnering with nearby farms and producers.
- Hotels, inns, and destination restaurants championing regional foodways.
- Independent concepts that make “buy local, eat local” a daily practice.
If your menu tells a story about the land, the season, and the people who grow your food, this recognition is designed for you.
WHAT WE RECOGNIZE: CORE ELEMENTS OF EXCELLENCE
We look for restaurants that demonstrate meaningful, ongoing commitment to farm-to-table values. While menus and regions vary, these are the common threads among our honorees:
- Local Sourcing: A significant portion of ingredients are sourced from local farms, fisheries, and producers, with a focus on small and family operations within a reasonable radius of the kitchen.
- Support for Small & Family Farms: Preference for buying directly from owner-operated farms and ranches, strengthening local food economies and land stewardship.
- Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility: Seasonal menus, low-waste practices, responsible seafood, and careful attention to animal welfare and reduced food miles.
- Artisan & Traditional Foods: Emphasis on small-batch, minimally processed, heritage and regional foods rooted in traditional methods.
- Social Responsibility: Support for diverse, minority-owned, and women-owned suppliers; fair employment; and opportunities for local communities.
- Transparency & Education: Clear communication about where ingredients come from – on menus, boards, websites, or through special events and storytelling.
- Community Involvement: Engagement in local markets, events, and initiatives that uplift regional producers and food culture.
- Quality & Safety: Adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, with consistently high culinary quality.
- Adaptability & Innovation: Menus that respond creatively to the rhythms of local seasons and harvests.
WHAT RESTAURANTS RECEIVE
The Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ is about visibility, trust, and alignment with a trusted voice in local food ecosystems. During our Southeast U.S. roll-out, qualifying restaurants receive:
Introductory Recognition Listing
An introductory feature listing on Cucina di Madre Terra as part of our Farm-to-Table Excellence directory – the perfect place to be seen as the program rolls out.
Recognition Badge & Assets
Access to the official Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ badge for your website, menus, email signatures, and social media – signaling to guests that your commitment is real.
Editorial & Travel Features
Priority consideration for editorial features across Cucina di Madre Terra’s agritourism stories, regional guides, and “Where to Eat Local” recommendations.
Trusted Context for Your Story
Your recognition sits within a broader mission: nurturing local food ecosystems, preserving heritage cuisines, and connecting travelers to authentic, values-driven dining experiences.
SOUTHEAST U.S. ROLL-OUT
We are launching the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ region by region, starting in the Southeast – home to some of the richest culinary traditions and local food cultures in the world.
Our 2025 focus regions include:
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Alabama
As the program grows, additional states and regions will be added to the recognition map.
HOW TO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECOGNITION
The process is designed to be straightforward and respectful of your time. We recognize restaurants based on a combination of self-attested practices, publicly visible menus and sourcing information, and, where applicable, community nominations.
- Review the program overview and ensure your restaurant aligns with the core elements of excellence.
- Complete our short intake form, sharing details about your sourcing, producer partners, and seasonal approach.
- Our team reviews your information and may follow up with brief questions or clarifications.
- Upon acceptance, you receive your introductory listing, digital badge, and onboarding details.
There is no fee for a restaurant to be considered for introductory recognition during the launch phase.
CONTACT US FOR CONSIDERATIONFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a formal certification program?
No. The Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ is not a government or regulatory certification. It is a curated recognition program guided by Cucina di Madre Terra, designed to highlight restaurants whose practices and values align with authentic farm-to-table dining.
How is this different from “Farm-to-Fork Certification”?
If you’ve seen references to “Farm-to-Fork Excellence Certification,” you’re in the right place. We’ve evolved our language to better reflect reality: rather than claiming to “certify” every step, we recognize and elevate restaurants that are genuinely committed to local, sustainable sourcing.
Is there a cost to participate?
During the launch phase in the Southeast U.S., there is no fee to be considered for introductory recognition and listing. Future phases may include expanded opportunities, but our core commitment is to keep recognition accessible to independent, values-driven restaurants.
Can guests trust that recognized restaurants truly source locally?
We evaluate restaurants based on their sourcing transparency, relationships with local producers, and visible practices. While every menu will vary by season, guests can expect that recognized restaurants treat local sourcing as a core philosophy, not a passing trend.
How can I nominate a restaurant?
We welcome nominations from diners, farmers, and community partners. Visit our contact page or look for the “Nominate a Restaurant” link to share why you believe a restaurant should be part of the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ program.