Press Release

June 3, 2004

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Mike Braga, Sherman Thomas Ranch
559-674-6468, mbraga@yahoo.com

Going Organic in the Central Valley

June 3, 2004 - Central Valley growers can see for themselves what it means to go organic when they visit Mike Braga's Sherman Thomas Ranch next Thursday. Braga, the president of California Certified Organic Farmers' (CCOF's) Fresno-Tulare Chapter, is hosting a field trip to his ranch as part of an Organic Almond Meeting to be held by UC Cooperative Extension's in Madera on June 10.

The Organic Almond Meeting will cover all aspects of organic production from fertility management to insect and disease management. Experts will present information about organic certification, allowable materials, and the financial aspects of organic almond production. Braga and another CCOF grower, Roger Poythress, will lead a grower discussion and organic weed control demonstration at Braga's ranch.

Braga is also a Chapter Leader for the CCOF Foundation's Going Organic project, which will facilitate farmer-to-farmer mentoring in Fresno, Tulare, Madera and Kings Counties.

"Many growers are interested in going organic, but they need more support. With grower workshops and mentoring, we can all learn from each other," said Braga.

The Going Organic project will help match aspiring and beginning organic growers with experienced mentors. Trainees and their mentors will first meet as group, then receive one-on-one assistance with organic transitioning. After receiving individual training, they will meet again as a group to compare notes and share ideas.

Braga will be accepting applications from growers interested in becoming trainees or mentors until June 20. Trainees must have access to farmland and must have at least two years of farming experience. Mentors, who must be experienced organic growers, will receive honoraria.

Going Organic is a joint effort of the Fresno-Tulare Chapter of CCOF and the CCOF Foundation, a non-profit educational organization that works to protect the environment and enhance human health by promoting the production and consumption of nutritious, organic food. CCOF promotes and supports organic agriculture in California and elsewhere through a premier organic certification program, grower and consumer education, and policy advocacy. The project is supported by the Heller Foundation and CCOF, Inc.

How to Get Involved:
Growers interested in attending the Organic Almond Meeting should RSVP to Sandra Ochoa of UC Cooperative Extension at 559-675-7879 ext 201 by June 4, 2004. PCA and continuing education credits are available.

To learn more about the Going Organic project and obtain a mentor or trainee application, visit the CCOF website, www.ccof.org