Food Alliance, a certifier of sustainable agricultural practices, is ceasing operations.

The Portland-based nonprofit organization announced in a press release Feb. 12 it is "unable to endure financially under its current business model" and will shut down Feb. 15.

The board of directors stated in the release that "the grant support on which the organization depends has become less obtainable and more competitive" in recent years.

Certification clients are permitted to use the Food Alliance Certified seal on products through Dec. 31, according to the announcement.

Food Alliance was established in 1995.

--Mitch Lies