1. Introductory Recognition Listing
Your restaurant appears in our Farm-to-Table Excellence directory — the perfect foundation for visibility during rollout.
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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 despite the popularity of the movement, there is still no universal, official “farm-to-table certification” standard. No shared framework. No unified definition.
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 and provide clarity for diners seeking honest, local, seasonal food.
To support transparency and allow more restaurants to be visible as the movement grows, we recognize restaurants through a clear, three-tier structure: Discovered → Recognized → Excellence. This gives diners meaningful context and provides restaurants a path to greater visibility and deeper partnership.
What Is the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™?
The Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ is an editorially guided program presented by Cucina di Madre Terra. It highlights restaurants committed to local sourcing, seasonal menus, and genuine relationships with farmers, fishers, ranchers, and makers.
This is not a government-issued certification or a pay-to-play badge. It is a mark of integrity, transparency, and connection to local food systems.
We recognize restaurants that are already doing the work — and help diners find them with confidence.
The Three Tiers of Recognition
To serve diners and honor every stage of a restaurant’s journey, Cucina di Madre Terra uses a structured, transparent tier system:
Discovered
Restaurants identified by our team as promising farm-to-table destinations.
These restaurants demonstrate public commitment to local or seasonal sourcing. They have been researched, nominated, or surfaced through community recommendations and early review.
What “Discovered” means:
• Identified by Cucina as aligned with farm-to-table value
• Reviewed for publicly visible sourcing practices
• Awaiting or beginning contact with our team
This tier brings early visibility to restaurants and immediate value to site viewers.
Recognized
Restaurants actively collaborating with Cucina and verified at a foundational level.
Recognized restaurants have taken the next step by providing sourcing information, images, producer partners, and details for a Basic Listing Profile.
What “Recognized” means:
• Restaurant has submitted photos and profile details
• Shared information about producers and sourcing approach
• Meets baseline elements of the Farm-to-Table Excellence framework
• Verified by our editorial team for accuracy and alignment
Recognized restaurants receive an enhanced listing and are included in early editorial opportunities.
Excellence
Full Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ honorees.
These restaurants are reviewed in greater depth, meeting the highest standards of local sourcing, community connection, and culinary integrity. Many participate in sponsored features, editorial storytelling, site visits (where feasible), and deeper evaluation of sourcing practices.
What “Excellence” means:
• Demonstrated and documented commitment to local farmers and producers
• Clear sourcing transparency and seasonal menu practice
• Participation in editorial features, interviews, or local producer highlights
• Meeting the full criteria of the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ program
Excellence honorees are the gold standard and receive the highest visibility across Cucina di Madre Terra.
Who This Is For
The Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ is designed for restaurants that live the spirit — and the practice — of local foodways:
• Chef-driven restaurants committed to local, seasonal menus
• Bistros and cafés partnering with nearby farms and producers
• Hotels, inns, and destination restaurants championing regional food cultures
• Independent concepts that make “buy local, eat local” a daily philosophy
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
Across all three tiers, we look for meaningful, ongoing commitment to at least several of these principles. While menus and regions differ, these shared values unite our honorees:
Local Sourcing
A significant portion of ingredients sourced from local farms, fisheries, and producers, especially small and family operations.
Support for Small & Family Farms
Preference for owner-operated farms and ranches, strengthening local food economies.
Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
Seasonal menus, low-waste practices, responsible seafood, reduced food miles, and humane standards.
Artisan & Traditional Foods
Small-batch, minimally processed, heritage or regional foods rooted in craft and tradition.
Social Responsibility
Support for diverse, minority-owned, and women-owned producers; fair employment; and community uplift.
Transparency & Education
Clear communication about ingredients, farm partners, and seasonal sourcing.
Community Involvement
Participation in local markets, events, and regional food initiatives.
8. Community Involvement
True Farm to Fork champions invest in their communities. Whether hosting local farmers’ markets, partnering with regional charities, or supporting nearby schools, these restaurants create ripples of positive impact.
Quality, Safety & Innovation
Consistent quality paired with strong hygiene and food safety practices, and menus that shift creatively with local seasons and availability.
What Restaurants Receive
Regardless of tier, the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ provides restaurants with visibility, trust, and access to the Cucina di Madre Terra audience.
2. Recognition Badge & Brand Assets
Use of digital tier badges (“Discovered,” “Recognized,” and “Excellence Recognition™”) for menus, websites, and social media.
3. Editorial & Travel Features
Priority consideration for stories, producer highlights, agritourism features, and “Where to Eat Local” recommendations.
4. Trusted Context for Your Story
Your restaurant sits within a movement dedicated to authenticity, local sourcing, and the preservation of regional foodways.
Southeast U.S. Roll-Out
We are launching the Farm-to-Table Excellence Recognition™ region by region, beginning with the Southeast — home to some of America's strongest agricultural traditions and culinary heritage.
Our 2025 focus areas include:
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
• Alabama
Additional states will be added as the recognition map expands.
How to Be Considered for Recognition
The process is simple and respectful of your time. Restaurants may enter at any tier, and progress naturally as engagement increases.
• Review the program overview and ensure your restaurant aligns with farm-to-table values.
• Complete our short intake form with sourcing details, producer partners, and menu philosophy.
• Our team reviews your information and may follow up with clarifications.
• Upon acceptance, you receive your tier placement, your listing, and your digital badge.
There is no fee to be considered for introductory recognition during the Southeast launch phase.
FREQUENTLY 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.