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Organic Farming and Biodiversity

CCOF and Biodiversity

CCOF has recognizes the importance of biodiversity in organic farming and has always sought to enhance the implementation of organic standards linked to the issue of biodiversity. In late 2005, CCOF supplied all of our clients with biodiversity guides and a letter of support for the Wild Farm Alliance’s (WFA) efforts. The Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) is working to integrate biodiversity requirements and education into organic standards.

In 2008 we introduced ‘Biodiversity Tips’, as a regular article in our “Certified Organic” magazine. And we have now begun implementation of another initiative linked to the inspection process that we hope will further address the issue of biodiversity. In the future, CCOF inspectors will be asking certified operations a number of questions aimed at identifying and describing the riparian areas or other sensitive natural resources, ecosystems or wildlife habitats that constitute part of our certified clients operations and about any efforts being taken by clients to maintain or improve these and other natural resources. We hope that these and other efforts will help CCOF and its clients lead the way in organic farming as we have done for decades.

Introduction to Biodiversity
Organic agriculture can provide natural habitat that supports pollination and pest control, protects water quality, meets the needs of multiple native animals and plants, and makes a meaningful contribution to wild Nature. On most farms, opportunities exist to accommodate the needs of native species with only minor changes to farming practices. Ultimately, increasing biological diversity brings stability and resilience to the farm.

Biodiversity: What it is and how to Increase it on your farm

	WFA in collaboration with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) have created this brochure for a quick understanding of what you can do to benefit from and support biodiversity. Download this brochure here.

Letter to CCOF Certified Farmers Introducing Farm Biodiversity Conservation Guides

CCOF has recognized the importance of biodiversity in organic farming. The Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) is working to make available biodiversity educational materials that help farmers address the requirements in the organic standards. Read the letter provided by CCOF and WFA to CCOF certified farmers introducing new farm biodiversity conservation guides.

Biodiversity Conservation: Guides for Organic Farmers and Certifiers



Complete Farmer Guide to Biodiversity		Complete Certifiers Guide to Biodiversity
Contact WFA to receive a hard copy of one or both of the guides. The Wild Farm Alliance has produced biodiversity guides available for farmers and certifiers which lay out a range of farm management possibilities for a variety of situations that maintain and enhance biodiversity at the farm level and contribute to biodiversity conservation outside of farm borders at the regional or watershed level. Download summary

POLLINATORS

Wild Pollinators: Agriculture's Forgotten Partners

This latest installment in the WFA Briefing Paper series explores the historic role of native pollinators in food production, gives specific information regarding where they live, and which crops benefit from the many native bees. In addition, the paper outlines what other growers have done to attract these beneficial creatures to their farm. Download a copy of this paper here.

Farming for Pollinators

The Xerces Society has several publications related to pollinators. This publication goes over the critical requirements of native bees, explains why they are such effective pollinators, and suggests practical ways to improve their habitat on your land. Check out their publications here.

Farming for Bees: Guidelines for Providing Native Bee Habitat on Farms

A lengthier booklet from Xerces Society, this guide examines the importance of conserving native bees, methods for creating foraging and nesting habitat, and features case studies of farmers successfully accommodating native bees on their farms. Download a copy of this publication here.

HEDGEROWS

Hedgerows: Benefit to Farmers, Benefits to Wildlife

	This quickly read brochure goes over the benefits and functions of hedgerows in the farmscape, lists important considerations for successful plant establishment, explains how to avoid potential problems, and gives examples of typical hedgerow plants. It was prepared by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and CAFF. Download a copy of this publication here.

Hedgerows for California Agriculture

More detailed hedgerow information is found in this manual. It helps farmers choose and care for regionally appropriate plants that attract beneficial insects and prevent erosion. Also, a listing of native plant nurseries and consultants/contractors specializing in hedgerow and other restoration projects is included. Download a copy of this publication here.

WATER QUALITY
Handbook of Agricultural Conservation Practices

The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County published this guide to serve as a first step in exploring resource conservation management options. The handbook contains photos and descriptions of various engineered and non-engineered practices including, but not limited to, vegetated waterways, filter strips, tailwater recovery systems, irrigation water management, and road seeding. Download a copy of this publication here.

Your support makes these efforts possible. Join CCOF today.