Press Release

Press Release, May 24, 2004

For Immediate Release

President Brian Leahy Leaves California Certified Organic Farmers

Santa Cruz, CA (May 24, 2004) - California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has announced that its President, Brian Leahy, will be leaving CCOF in June to pursue new ventures. He began his tenure at CCOF the day the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations were announced in 2000 and has led CCOF through four years of rapid growth and change.

Leahy oversaw CCOF's accreditation through the NOP, including the USDA's mandate that the nonprofit organization split its trade association and advocacy programs from its certification services. The staff has doubled during his term as more growers, processors, handlers and retailers sought organic certification. CCOF, a leader in the organic industry for more than 30 years, is one of the oldest and largest certification organizations in North America. "I'm looking forward to new opportunities and hope to stay in contact with my friends and associates in the organic industry," said Leahy.

CCOF's board of directors will soon begin an executive search for Leahy's replacement.

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About CCOF
CCOF, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 and is one of the nation's largest and oldest third-party organic certifying agencies. CCOF's purpose is to promote and support organic agriculture through:
o A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
o Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic product and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
o Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.

Contact:

Peggy Miars
Communications Director
California Certified Organic Farmers
(831) 423-2263, ext. 12
peggy@ccof.org