Celebrating the Legacy of Bernard (Barney) Bricmont

CCOF is saddened to hear of the passing of Bernard (Barney) Bricmont on December 6, 2011, at the age of 73. Barney was a passionate community member and advocate for organic. He will be deeply missed.

Barney and five other organic farmers founded CCOF by meeting at Barney's kitchen table in the early 1970s to develop organic standards and bring integrity to organic. Those farmers brought other organic producers together to form the organization that became what CCOF is today, a certification agency and leader in the organic movement.

Barney learned to farm in the 1960s from his aunt, who owned an apple orchard in Saratoga, California. There, he developed skills in orchard maintenance and care, with a focus on organic production methods. Barney and his wife eventually bought two acres of land in Live Oak, California. There, they began growing plant starts in 3000 square feet of greenhouse space, and organic salad greens for actress Carol Channing, who funded his first greenhouse to ensure personal access to the leafy greens year-round.

Barney was crucial to the survival of CCOF, administering the company as a volunteer from his home in Santa Cruz when other organic farmers throughout the state were unable to take on the task. He served as founding vice president of CCOF for the first two years and worked as president from 1975 to 1985. Barney worked closely with Assembly Member Sam Farr to craft the California Organic Foods Act of 1979, believing strongly in drawing a line in the sand between conventional and organic production. Due to his excellent skills at organization and passion for organic, Barney is known across the state and among organic farmers for his critical contributions to the organic movement.

We are thankful for the many contributions that Barney made to CCOF. We would never be where we are today without his influence and enthusiasm. Barney is survived by his daughter, Nicole Bricmont, and many members of his loving family.