News Briefs
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Requests Grant Proposals
The OFRF is resuming its grants program and is now accepting new organic research proposals until the December 15, 2006 deadline. Although OFRF requests proposals in all subject areas, the following topics are of particular interest: organic livestock systems, economic constraints and opportunities relevant to the viability of small and medium-scale organic farms and ranches, and projects that investigate the interactions between components of organic systems and that take a systems-management approach to solving production problems (rather that an input-substitution approach). OFRF has disbursed approximately $1.3 million dollars in support of 213 projects over the past 13 years, and thus have funded the largest number of organic agriculture research projects of any foundation in the U.S.
To apply, submit eight copies of your proposal to the OFRF office by December 15, 2006, at 303 Potrero St. #29-203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
For more details visit www.ofrf.org/research/application.html, or contact Jane Sooby at 831-426-6606 and jane@ofrf.org.
CCOF Certified Client Glaum Egg Ranch is First Major California Egg Producer to Receive "Certified Humane" Designation
Herndon, Va., Aug. 30, 2006 - Glaum Egg Ranch, a cage-free egg producer in Aptos, Calif., Santa Cruz County, is the first major California egg producer to be certified by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) to use its Certified Humane Raised and Handled label.
Unveiled in May 2003, the "Certified Humane Raised and Handled" label assures consumers that a meat, poultry, egg or dairy product has been produced according to HFAC's precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with enough shelter, resting areas and space to support natural behavior. More than 55 companies and restaurants are Certified Humane.
Glaum Egg Ranch is a 28-acre sustainable family farm in the foothills of Santa Cruz County founded in 1953. It is 100 percent cage-free.
"Our chickens roam free, bathe in the dust, perch, nestle, eat and drink our own fresh well water whenever they like. They're fed a natural diet without animal byproducts," said Doug Glaum, whose grandfather founded the original Glaum Egg Ranch in Nebraska in the 1920s. Doug and his three siblings, Steve, Debbie and Sherrie, are the third generation of Glaums to manage the business.
Glaum Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs and Cage Free White Eggs are sold at Deluxe Foods of Aptos, Shopper's Corner, Staff of Life and New Leaf Community Markets, all in Santa Cruz County, and at other independent grocery stores from Carmel north to the Bay Area. More information about the company can be found at www.glaumeggranch.com.
Consumer Confidence in the USDA Organic Label Upheld with CCOF Support
The National Organic Program recently revoked the accreditation of one U.S. organic certifier, the American Food Safety Institute International (AFSII). This clearly demonstrates the intention of the National Organic Program to maintain strong standards. All of AFSII's more than thirty clients were affected and will have to find a new certifier and change their labels to continue selling organic products. CCOF has accepted applications from several of these companies and will assist them in becoming certified after they pass inspection.
Read the USDA document: Enforcement & Integrity of the National Organic Program: Q & A's for Consumers
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