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Written by Guest Blogger on Monday, May 4, 2020

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“We Are Essential” is a blog series that explores how the organic community is navigating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our farms, ranches, and businesses deliver truly essential services, staying open and in the field to provide food to our communities. Each week, we will share a new story that highlights how organic is critical to the…

Written by Shawna Rodgers on Monday, May 4, 2020

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The CCOF Foundation is now accepting applications for Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund grants for higher education and vocational students! Applicants can apply for $2,500 grants to go toward their studies in organic agriculture. The application period is open from May 1 through June 1. Learn more and apply for your $2,500 educational grant. 

Due to…

Written by Noah Lakritz on Monday, May 4, 2020

As of Monday, May 4, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will now accept new applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program exclusively from agricultural producers. During the first round of funding, SBA prohibited agricultural producers from applying for relief. While the current round of funding includes agricultural producers as eligible applicants, SBA has been processing applications left over from the previous round. 

The EIDL program offers loan advances of up to $10,000 for businesses experiencing a loss in revenue due to COVID-19. These loans will…

Written by Jane Sooby on Monday, May 4, 2020

In what has become a routine practice during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders, the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC) will meet via teleconference from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020.

COPAC advises the California secretary of food and agriculture on the State Organic Program and on current issues in the state’s organic sector. The State Organic Program is managed by two state agencies: the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which regulates organic processed products, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA),…

Written by Noah Lakritz on Monday, May 4, 2020

On Wednesday, April 29, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an expansion of the Farm to Family program, a collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB). The program, which facilitates donations of excess produce from California farms to food banks, is expected to support more than 20 million pounds of produce donations in the coming months. Newsom’s announcement highlighted $3.6 million in funds the state has already raised from a combination of USDA grants and philanthropic donations. The campaign…

Written by Laetitia Benador on Tuesday, April 28, 2020

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“We Are Essential” is a blog series that explores how the organic community is navigating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our farms, ranches, and businesses deliver truly essential services, staying open and in the field to provide nutritious food to our communities. Each week, we will share a new story that highlights how organic…

Written by Jane Sooby on Tuesday, April 28, 2020

As part of USDA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plans to spend $3 billion for vendors to purchase, package, and deliver boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and meat to non-profit distribution centers such as food banks, schools, churches, and community groups.

According to AMS officials, this will not be “a normal purchasing program” that buys truckloads of agricultural commodities. Instead vendors will assemble boxes containing a variety of products that are ready to load “off the truck and into the trunk.” Vendors are also…

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…

Written by Adrian Fischer on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

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Want to take your farm forward and transition to organic? Maybe you’re already practicing organic methods and need that final incentive to get certified. Now is your chance to lessen the financial challenge of transition—apply for a $5,000 grant to help you make the transition to organic. Applications close next week on April 30, 2020—apply now!

Organic…

Written by Meaghan Donovan on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

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Innovative direct marketing can keep your farm business viable in fast changing times. Join Jamie Collins of Serendipity Farms on April 28 for a webinar on tools to increase your farm’s customer base and your revenue. 

Collins, a long-time organic farmer and savvy marketing coach, will highlight techniques she’s used to draw in customers and maintain her business in an ever-…

Written by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

We Are Essential 042020-blog

“We Are Essential” is a blog series that explores how the organic community is navigating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our farms, ranches, and businesses deliver truly essential services, staying open and in the field to provide food to our communities. Each week, we will share a new story that highlights how organic is critical to the…

Written by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Governor’s Executive Order will benefit workers in grocery stores and fast food chains, and delivery drivers Order will give two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to certain food sector workers if they are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive Order also calls for increased hand-washing measures at food facilities to increase consumer protection

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last week to support California workers from large employers in the food sector industry impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with two weeks of paid sick leave…

Written by Shawna Rodgers on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

COPAC Blog

CCOF member Blake Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm has been re-appointed to the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC). COPAC advises the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture on education, outreach, and technical assistance for organic producers in the state. The committee is comprised of 15 primary members plus alternates for each seat. 

Alexandre…

Written by Rebekah Weber on Monday, April 13, 2020

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“We Are Essential” is a blog series that explores how the organic community is navigating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our farms, ranches, and businesses deliver truly essential services, staying open and in the field to provide nutritious food to our communities. Each week, we will share a new story that highlights how organic is critical to the global response. We welcome…

Written by Guest Blogger on Monday, April 13, 2020

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recognizes the unique needs of the farmer, rancher, and producer community as it navigates the current pandemic. 

OTA’s next COVID-19 webinar on Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. PDT will allow you to learn about new and existing programs designed specifically to meet your needs. Organic producers will have the opportunity to speak directly to those who will implement and oversee provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designed to benefit agricultural operations. 

On the webinar will be Katie Naessens…