CCOF Sets Bold, New Goal for Organic

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Written by Rebekah Weber on Tuesday, January 19, 2021
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CCOF envisions a world where organic is the norm, a world where every farmer has access to the tools to build healthy soils and foster biodiversity, a world where every eater has access to fresh, organic food that nourishes the body. To create this world, CCOF has set the ambitious goal of reaching 30 percent of California's agricultural acreage in organic by 2030.
 

Organic as the Norm

Why are we working to expand organic acreage in California? Because organic agriculture is a solution to some of the greatest threats we face, from climate change to economic and health inequities. Organic is critical to securing California’s future.
 
Organic builds climate resilience. Organic soil stores carbon, reduces levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, and mitigates climate change. In fact, organic farming removes 14 times more carbon from our atmosphere than non-organic farming.
 
Organic fosters strong communities. Organic farms reinvest dollars within the community by selling locally and creating jobs. The organic market continues to outpace sales of all other food sectors, creating opportunities in urban and rural communities.
 
Organic protects people and the planet. Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which pollute drinking water and harm human health. And high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make organic food a healthy choice.
 

Where We are Today

A little over 10 percent of California's agricultural lands are farmed organically today. This recent expansion in acreage is driven by a growing market, with Californians experiencing a growing appetite for fresh, locally sourced, organic food. While communities with thriving organic businesses and access to organic foods have benefited, these benefits are not felt equitably across the state. 
 
CCOF developed the Roadmap to an Organic California to investigate how to expand organic to all communities. Part one, the Benefits Report, analyzes over 300 peer-reviewed scientific studies to understand the benefits of organic. Part two, the Policy Report, outlines nearly 40 policy recommendations to develop organic as a tool to build a resilient and prosperous future. 
 
Let’s hit the road to an organic California. Tune in next week to hear how we are implementing our roadmap to reach 30 percent organic farmland in California by 2030.