Press Release

June 28, 2005

For Immediate Release

Contact:

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

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Whole Foods Market Community Support Day to Benefit CCOF

June 30, 2005 (Santa Cruz, CA) - Whole Foods Market, the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, has selected California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) as the recipient of a Community Support Day in its Southern Pacific Region. The region includes 23 stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. On Wednesday, August 17, 5% of net sales in those stores will be donated to CCOF to assist with their programs.

"Whole Foods Market and CCOF share a unique history of leadership in the organic marketplace," said Peggy Miars, executive director of CCOF. "CCOF, formed in 1973, and Whole Foods, founded in 1980, both played key roles in formulating the USDA National Organic Standards. We both also advocate for labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients."

CCOF, a nonprofit organization formed by a group of grassroots activist farmers, is one of the oldest and largest organic certifiers in North America. CCOF's purpose is to promote and support organic agriculture in California and elsewhere through:

A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic products and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.

Whole Foods Market started as one small store in Austin, Texas, and now operates 171 stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market remains uniquely mission driven: They are highly selective about what they sell, dedicated to stringent Quality Standards, and committed to sustainable agriculture.

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