WHITEFIELD — Treble Ridge Farm has been awarded Animal Welfare Approved certification. This certification and food label lets consumers know that animals were raised in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards in the United States, using sustainable agriculture methods on an independent family farm, according to a news release.

The diversified farm is operated by Rufus and Alice Percy, who raise hardy mixed-breed pigs.

Animal Welfare Approved is a national nonprofit organization that audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range.

Recreation committee to discuss ball fields

CHINA — The Recreation Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Town Office, with the heads of sports programs that use the town ball fields attending. Items to be discussed include the 2012-13 budget, the field lights and field conditions and maintenance.

Planning workshop on ordinances set

CHINA — Planning Board members continue discussion of two draft ordinances at a workshop meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Town Office.

Topics are the revised shoreland septic system compliance ordinance that is intended as an alternative to repealing the present program and amended regulations for home occupations.

Selectmen asked board members to prepare the septic system ordinance after a repeal question was placed on the June ballot by petition.

Board members are deeply divided on the question. At the previous meeting, one member argued for postponing action until after a study establishes the extent to which septic systems are a problem around lakes in China. Two members urged finishing the draft changes, so that if voters approve repealing the current program they would have a chance to substitute less stringent rules.

In addition to Tuesday’s discussion, Planning Board members have scheduled a March 27 public hearing on the septic system ordinance to get more comments and suggestions from residents.