Trade Association Benefits

CCOF is the only full-service organic certification agency and trade association that provides benefits on behalf of our members. CCOF Certified and Supporting Members receive full trade association benefits, which include advocacy, education, marketing support and networking opportunities linked to our regional- and industry-based chapters.

Policy & Advocacy

CCOF advocates for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture. CCOF carefully monitors policy matters related to organic agriculture in the California state capitol, state agriculture departments, regulatory bodies and in Washington D.C. to ensure that the voices of organic consumers, farmers, and processors are heard. CCOF actively engages in the USDA Logo organic standards making process of the National Organic Standards Board in order to preserve and improve the integrity of organic certification.

Whether it is hand weeding legislation, organic standards or fighting for additional federal funds for organic research, CCOF advocates for the interests of its Certified Members, Supporting Members, and organic consumers. Learn more about policy and advocacy.

Member Promotion

CCOF promotes our members to help grow their businesses and in doing so, the organic marketplace. Each year CCOF exhibits at a number of food industry trade shows and consumer events, including the Fancy Foods Show, Natural Products Expo West, World Ag Expo and All Things Organic. At these trade shows we distribute CCOF’s annual Organic Directory and Resource Guide free of charge to retailers and others looking to buy organic products. The directory is a comprehensive listing of all CCOF members and is viewed as the premier guide to sourcing organic. CCOF also maintains a searchable online directory of certified operations which received 17,717 unique visitors in 2009 alone. Those looking to find organic products or services can search by keyword as well as by location or by sales methods, including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers' markets, wholesale and export.

CCOF also publishes a quarterly magazine, Certified Organic. Over 6,000 copies are widely distributed at trade shows and consumer events, to elected officials and to key decision makers in the organic sector. Member-focused feature articles, as well as, a regular "Member News" section help promote and spread the word about the innovative activities our members are engaged in.

CCOF also maintains an online "Media Room" where we promote the news coverage our members receive and link to our members’ blogs, all with the aim of helping them reach a wider audience, engage with organic consumers and grow their businesses.

If you have news to share with the organic community, email marketing@ccof.org.

Branded Merchandise

CCOF offers a range of merchandise to help our members promote their certified organic status and the benefits of buying organic. From "Certified Organic" and "Do Not Spray" signs to hats, t-shirts, bumper stickers and bike plates, we are here to help you promote organic! Shop for merchandise at CCOF's online store.

Education & Events

The CCOF Trade Association organizes educational and technical training events for certified farmers, processors, handlers and farm advisors to expand their knowledge and understanding of organic practices and to ensure they are equipped to comply with organic standards. CCOF’s education program includes workshops, field days, webinars and an annual educational conference on topical issues and organic marketplace challenges. CCOF sends monthly electronic newsletters to our members keep them informed about changes in certification procedures, standards and regulations, the availability of funding for sustainable and organic agriculture initiatives and about other important developments in the organic sector. We also host events to educate consumers about the value of organic, including CCOF’s Annual Organic Beer, Wine & Spirit Tasting at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Learn more about education and events.

Classified & Calendar Listings

CCOF members have the ability to post free classified ads online and in the magazine. Classified ad categories include "Crops for Sale," "Land for Sale/Lease," "Contracts Sought," job listings and more. The classified ads provide members with a way to promote surplus produce and find sales leads or employees at no extra cost. Members can also post their events free of charge to CCOF’s online calendar of events. The classified ads and calendar are two of the most visited CCOF website pages.

Chapter System

CCOF has a chapter system providing regional or industry networking opportunities and a chance to promote CCOF through organizing local events and educating consumers on the importance of organic. Most chapters meet a few times per year and engage in topics important to their region/sector. Learn more about the CCOF chapter system and how to get involved.