Press Release

June 16, 2004

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Peggy Miars
(831) 423-2263, ext. 12
peggy@ccof.org

CCOF Farmer Leads the Way to Sustainable Energy

(June 16, 2004) Santa Cruz, CA - John Pryor, a former board member of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and a CCOF certified organic farmer, has taken the initiative to purchase and install solar panels to create environmentally friendly energy for his farm. Pryor, of Mallard Bend Farms in Winton, California, is in the process of putting in two sets of solar paneling, one at his ranch and one in the fields. Working in partnership with his wife Mary and brother Alan, he is farming 50 acres of certified organic almonds and peaches.

Organic food production uses sustainable farming practices to provide healthy natural food without any added toxic substances, while also protecting the environment. Unfortunately, the use of diesel powered machines and vehicles in both food production and distribution create pollution - pollution which organic food production aims to minimize. Pryor is leading the way to what may become the quintessential food production system - organic food with minimal pollution and waste. Pryor's neighbors and friends have shown great interest in solar energy, and some are actively pursuing the installation of such a system.

The idea of solar powered organic farming is a "natural progression for the industry," said Pryor. When this project is completed, he plans to convert his pickup truck to electricity. Heavy farm machinery is set to remain fossil fuel based until alternative fuels are developed to provide enough horsepower for the machines to complete their duties. But when they are eventually produced, Pryor will be anxious to change over to a more environmentally friendly fuel source.

Pryor believes that with his own energy source, his business is much more secure and independent. He is also reducing the amount of pollution that is created through conventional energy production and saving on energy costs. Energy costs have traditionally increased annually, and with this trend set to continue, many producers may follow in Pryor's footsteps and join in the crusade for sustainable energy. "Diversity provides for resiliency," Pryor said. "And a nation is stronger when it is comprised of many small independent businesses - more resilient than a nation based on large multinational corporations."

Solar energy, in Pryor's opinion, has the potential to provide a clean, safe fuel source that is efficient and environmentally friendly - one that can benefit any business with a need for electricity. Solar installations require almost no maintenance and simply must be washed when required. Pryor also believes that, notwithstanding an earthquake, the system is more or less foolproof as it comes with a 25-year guarantee and a 50-year expected life span.

Pryor's cost to install the solar panels was $110,000, of which 25% is tax deductible. The benefits of installing such a system, in Pryor's opinion, are very generous. He hopes to save in the region of $250,000 to $330,000 before he retires. Added to the environmental benefits, it seems a project that should not be ignored.

Whether or not this is the beginning of the next major step forward for organic farming, or a mini revolution, is yet to be determined. But with progressive, forward-thinking individuals such as John Pryor, it may be very successful.

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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 in California and elsewhere 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.