Blog posts by Peter Nell

Written by Peter Nell on Monday, July 31, 2023

We are looking for certified organic businesses across the country that are interested in hosting CCOF staff for CCOF’s Extended Education Program. Eligible activities for staff include volunteering on organic farms and ranches, assisting with education programs, and more. CCOF’s Extended Education Program is available to CCOF staff who have completed five years of full-time service as CCOF employees. The goal of the program is for the CCOF staff members to strengthen their skill sets and deepen their understanding of CCOF’s mission to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world.…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, March 27, 2023

Please join CCOF in welcoming Leah Penniman for a reading of her latest book Black Earth Wisdom and a live Q&A. Copies of Black Earth Wisdom can be purchased online or through bookstores internationally. This event will be held on Zoom and is open to all CCOF community members.   We encourage attendees to review Soul Fire Farm’s Guide to a Successful Collaboration for BIPOC Speakers, White Audiences and Soul Fire Farm’s Safer Space Agreements.    This event is free. When: March 29, 2023, 3 p.m. Pacific Time (U.S. and Canada) Topic: Leah Penniman Black Earth Wisdom Reading and Q&A…
Written by Peter Nell on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

There is a unique opportunity to apply for a seat on CCOF’s Certification Services, LLC Management Committee. This is a rare chance to be part of the committee that manages the business and affairs of CCOF Certification Services, LLC.   The CCOF Board of Directors is looking for applicants who have a significant background in the organic industry (preferably with an understanding of organic certification) and who have experience in business management, including human resources, financials, and program management. The board is particularly interested in applicants with experience in handling…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, January 11, 2021

CCOF is deeply saddened by the news of Amigo Bob Cantisano’s passing in late 2020. Amigo Bob was a tireless organic farmer, advocate, and educator who devoted his life to supporting and growing organic agriculture.  CCOF Board Chair Phil LaRocca said, “Amigo Bob Cantisano was a close friend. As an early innovator and true believer, he dedicated his life to growing and strengthening the organic movement. He never gave up his belief in and support for organic farmers. His energy and knowledge will be missed but his impact will never be forgotten.” Amigo, along with other revolutionary organic…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, January 11, 2021

This winter CCOF launched a survey of our membership to learn more about your certified organic businesses and to improve CCOF services. If you have not completed your survey, there is still time to submit! How do I submit my CCOF member survey? Members within the United States: CCOF members based within the United States were mailed a hard copy of the survey with an addressed return envelope. Please use the addressed return envelope and do not mail your survey to CCOF. Members can also complete the survey online at www.opinion.wsu.edu/ccof using their personal access code. Members outside…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, November 9, 2020

This November, CCOF will launch a survey of our membership in partnership with Washington State University’s Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC).  It is important to receive responses from a wide range of CCOF-certified businesses, so we encourage as many of our members as possible to submit your survey. Your information and responses will remain confidential; the results will be presented in such a way that no individual’s response can be identified by CCOF.  We are surveying members to learn more about your certified organic businesses and how to improve CCOF services.…
Written by Peter Nell on Tuesday, July 28, 2020

CCOF shares a big appreciation to Bill Reynolds of Eel River Produce in Humboldt County for his expertise in seed breeding and commitment to organic agriculture. Reynolds, a certified organic farmer since 1989, is an organic farmer specializing in dry farming and known for developing the dark start zucchini, Eel River melon, stella blue squash, and other crops.  As told by Zea Sonnabend in an issue of Certified Organic, over twenty years ago Reynolds was having a difficult time finding a zucchini desirable for wholesalers. He worked with John Navazio to cross the hybrid “Raven” and…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, May 11, 2020

The deadline for nominations to fill upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is quickly approaching! USDA is seeking:             – Two individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation, or employees of such individuals             – Two individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups             – One individual who is a USDA-accredited certifying agent Nominations must be submitted by June 1, 2020 and include a resume and an AD-755 Application form. Nominees must meet the criteria of NOSB membership. Members of NOSB participate…
Written by Peter Nell on Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Earlier this month the National Organic Program (NOP) announced that the upcoming National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting will be held remotely. The board will hold their meeting starting on Wednesday, April 29 and concluding on Thursday, April 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To tune in, register online.  NOSB meetings are biannual, held in the spring and fall, to provide recommendations on substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and the organic standards. At the spring meeting, NOSB begins their yearly Sunset Review process…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, April 13, 2020

USDA is accepting nominations for National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) members. The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2020. Nominations must include a resume, an AD-755 Application form, and may also include a cover letter and references. Nominees must meet the criteria of NOSB membership, which includes having a general understanding of organic principles, practical experience in the organic community, demonstrated experience in the development of public policy, participation in standard development, and more. To apply, submit the application materials electronically to michelle…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, March 23, 2020

The deadlines to submit public comments and register for oral comments to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) at their spring meeting are approaching! It is critical that members of the organic community submit public comments on the substances up for re-listing or removal from the National List of Allowed & Prohibited Substances (National List) and the other NOSB agenda items.  The National Organic Program recently announced that the spring 2020 meeting will be held remotely. CCOF will share more details as they are announced.  The following substances are up for review for re-…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, March 16, 2020

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will host their first yearly meeting in Arlington, Virginia April 29-May 1, 2020. Organic stakeholders can register now to speak at a pre-meeting webinar and at the meeting in Virginia. The board will be discussing many topics at the meeting, including Sunset Reviews, materials petitions, discussion documents, and proposals.  The NOSB will host two webinars on April 21, 2020 and April 23, 2020 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern. Those interested in the webinar must register before April 3, 2020. Commenters are allotted a 3-minute comment slot and can…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, March 9, 2020

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) released their meeting materials ahead of their upcoming meeting on April 29 – May 1, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia.  Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via Regulations.gov using docket number AMS-NOP-19-0095 until April 3, 2020. Additionally, oral comments will be accepted in-person and through pre-meeting webinars. NOSB reviews all substances on the National List every five years to determine their status in organic production. Members of the board will use comments provided by the organic community to review and vote…
Written by Peter Nell on Tuesday, February 18, 2020

CCOF is excited to announce that Mary Kaems, principal consultant to California Speaker of the Assembly, will join the Rooting for Organic advocacy day on Wednesday, February 19. Kaems, a longtime supporter of organic agriculture and an important voice in the Capitol, will host an end-of-day debrief with attendees to learn about how the meetings throughout the day went, discuss next steps, and close the day in celebration.   At our Rooting for Organic advocacy day, stakeholders from across the organic sector will advocate for policies that support the growth of organic agriculture and…
Written by Peter Nell on Monday, November 18, 2019

The National Organic Program (NOP) released a final rule amending the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Effective November 22, 2019, the NOP will add two substances to the National List and reclassify magnesium chloride. The rule is based off recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board’s spring 2018 meeting. The final rule expands the use of elemental sulfur in organic crop production by adding it to § 205.601(h) for use as a molluscicide bait to control slugs and snails. Elemental sulfur is already allowed for use as an insecticide, as plant…