Humane Farm Animal Care Wants to Honor 'Stars' of Retailing

In an unusual e-mail marketing scheme, Humane Farm Animal Care, a non-profit group focused on the treatment of farm animals, is asking consumers to send thank-you notes to retailers who carry Certified Humane products.

"This card lets them know you shop at their store because they stock these products. Grocers need to hear that they have business because they carry Certified Humane products, and that you as a consumer may bring them more business because of these products," the text of the e-mail said.

The e-mail includes a link so consumers can conveniently download and print out a prepared card and bring it to their local grocer.

Humane Farm Animal Care is sending out its e-mail blast this week to coincide with the 83rd annual Academy Awards, which take place on Feb. 27. "Take this time to honor the stars that make a real difference in the lives of farm animals, the people that make the Certified Humane Raised and Handled Program possible: farmers and ranchers who provide a safer, healthier, more humane environment for the animals they raise," the group said in its e-mail.