Blog posts by Rachel Witte

Written by Rachel Witte on Wednesday, January 10, 2024

“The way we farm—the way I’m farming with my father right now—I have found true beauty in being able to grow high-yielding, great quality food for consumers without the use of chemicals and other practices that the industry has used for so long. I find beauty in that philosophy,” explains Adam Simonian, a fifth-generation farmer from Fowler, California, and recipient of a CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmers grant.  Adam grew up witnessing this beauty on his father’s farm and, over time, cultivated a passion for agriculture himself. “I have absolutely fallen in love with the thought of…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, December 4, 2023

One of the exciting things about CCOF’s 50th birthday is that many of our long-time members are celebrating milestone birthdays, too! One of those members is Mark Neal, from Neal Family Vineyards. Next year will mark 40 years of Mark farming organic grapes at the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard in Napa, California.  Mark has certainly built an organic legacy in Napa over the last 40 years. Since 1984, he’s converted more than 1,000 acres of Napa’s vineyards to organic production. Mark is known in the wine industry for his expertise in organic and biodynamic vineyard management, both for his…
Written by Rachel Witte on Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Twenty years ago, one year after the USDA National Organic Standards were enacted, CCOF member Whole Foods Market became the first ever certified organic national retailer. Doing so made Whole Foods a trailblazer in organic retail, setting the stage for other retailers—large and small—to follow.   “We are incredibly proud to certify Whole Foods Market, a leader and longtime steward of the organic movement,” says CCOF CEO Kelly Damewood. “Whole Foods Market not only cares deeply about maintaining the trust of its customers through organic certification but also continues to invest back into…
Written by Rachel Witte on Tuesday, October 31, 2023

CCOF staff will be out of office from November 22 through 26 to gather with friends and family. This time of year, we reflect on our gratitude for Indigenous peoples who have tended the earth respectfully for generations. Thank you also to the organic producers who work year-round to put nourishing food on our tables. Happy Thanksgiving! 
Written by Rachel Witte on Tuesday, September 19, 2023

In the past 50 years since CCOF’s founding in 1973, research about organic has come a long way. We now know that the benefits of organic our founding members believed in so fiercely are backed by scientific data to have a measurable effect on the wellbeing of our planet, communities, and economy.  Interested in digging deeper into the research on organic? Read our Roadmap to an Organic California: Benefits Report for more details and a robust list of references so you can explore the science yourself.  Will you join us in choosing organic and supporting the multifaceted benefits it offers…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, July 31, 2023

This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of CCOF and reflecting on how our organization has developed to what we are today.  A formative part of our history is, of course, organic certification and the development of the organic standards at the California state and United States federal levels. This give-and-take relationship between CCOF and regulatory bodies has shaped us into who we are today.  Take a peek with us today at CCOF’s journey from 1973 to 2023.  1973 CCOF is founded! Activist growers seeking to promote and define organic production practices form a chapter system that later…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, May 22, 2023

We’re hearing from many of CCOF’s long-term members this year as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Phil LaRocca is one of our longest-term members; he has also served twice as the CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors chair! LaRocca has a bevy of stories to share from his history as a seasoned organic farmer and fierce advocate for organic’s integrity and success. He recently shared his story with us—enjoy this glimpse into the early days of organic and CCOF’s evolution. LaRocca has a deep history of farming without synthetic pesticides and herbicides. His mother’s family moved to the Santa…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, March 30, 2020

As communities come together to build resilience in this deeply challenging time, CCOF is compiling resources that support our members and the organic community. Visit our Crisis Resilience Resources webpage for links to helpful resources for organic businesses. Check back regularly, as we’ll be updating this page with new resources as we learn about them.  We are working with partners, allies, and other organizations to gather useful information for the community. You can help by sharing links to additional resources by emailing policy@ccof.org.  Share with us how COVID-19 has impacted you…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, December 2, 2019

Each edition of Certified Organic magazine is packed with up-to-date information for the organic enthusiast, including engaging feature articles, client spotlights, certification news, advocacy updates, events, producer resources/tips, and more. Browse the most recent issue! A $12 annual subscription to Certified Organic includes two beautiful, informative copies of the magazine delivered to your mailbox each year. A subscription is also a great gift for the organic enthusiast in your life, or a yearly gift to your local school’s agricultural program. Visit our store to purchase your…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, November 4, 2019

Walk the halls of the Golden State Capitol with CCOF as we sow the seeds for a nationwide movement. At our Rooting for Organic advocacy day on February 19, 2020 in Sacramento, California, stakeholders from across the organic sector will advocate for policies that support the growth of organic agriculture and increase access to organic foods. Together, we will showcase a model for advancing organic with policies that combat climate change; stimulate local economies; and enhance the health of farmers, farmworkers, and diverse consumers around the world.  Your voice and expertise can drive…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, September 9, 2019

The deadline is coming up to apply for a seat on CCOF’s Certification Services, LLC Committee. This is your chance to contribute to the organic community. CCOF members, this is your opportunity to help us recruit someone you trust to oversee your certification business! Applications are due October 11. The CCOF Board of Directors is seeking applications from individuals for appointment to the LLC Management Committee, which they will review at their November meeting. The LLC Management Committee is appointed by the board and has the responsibility to control and manage the business and…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, September 9, 2019

Santa Cruz local and author Jonathan Franzen presented the keynote talk at CCOF member the Homeless Garden Project’s August 24 Sustain Supper. You can now read his speech in The New Yorker! About the Homeless Garden Project, he said, "In Santa Cruz, where I live, there’s an organization called the Homeless Garden Project. [. . .] It can’t 'solve' the problem of homelessness, but it’s been changing lives, one at a time, for nearly thirty years. Supporting itself in part by selling organic produce, it contributes more broadly to a revolution in how we think about people in need, the land we…
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, August 12, 2019

Want to add some bee-lightful décor to your organic garden, while also preventing pesticide sprays? Our organic garden sign is the perfect addition to your own organic oasis. We’re retiring this friendly bee sign, so now’s the time to order yours. Get it today at a discounted price before it’s gone!
Written by Rachel Witte on Monday, July 29, 2019

Are you a member of the organic food industry, but not certified by CCOF? Do you want to get involved with CCOF at the governance level? Are you a CCOF member who knows someone who may fit these criteria? The CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors is seeking applications from individuals for appointment to the CCOF Certification Services, LLC Management Committee, which they will review at their November meeting. The LLC Management Committee is appointed by the board and has the responsibility to control and manage the business and affairs of CCOF Certification Services, LLC. The board looks for…