Every day, CCOF works to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world. Through our three organizational branches—CCOF, Inc., CCOF Certification Services, and the CCOF Foundation—we support over 4,500 certified members across North America with certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. Getting to engage with the CCOF community throughout the year brings great meaning to our work—whether it’s connecting with certified clients through our member chapter meetings, providing on-farm technical assistance training and organic transition mentorships, Foundation events, advocacy work, and more.
With the recent release of CCOF’s 2024 Annual Impact Report, we’re taking a look back on how we support the organic community year after year.
Accessible Support with Certification Services
CCOF provides certification that goes beyond checking boxes. Every client receives a dedicated service specialist, and we answer the phone when you call. We work closely with producers through each stage of the certification process, from developing your first Organic System Plan to maintaining compliance and expanding operations.
In 2024, CCOF saw strong growth across our certification programs—we gained 701 new NOP clients, 123 Food Safety Program operations, 328 GLOBALG.A.P. clients and 38 PrimusGFS clients, and 62 new clients in our Regenerative Organic Certified® program.
Empowering Farmers to Grow Organic through CCOF Foundation
The CCOF Foundation creates an environment where organic agriculture can grow by providing resources for farmers transitioning to organic, organic-focused trainings and workshops, and financial assistance for organic producers. In 2024, the CCOF Foundation granted over $1.5M to 123 aspiring organic farmers and those experiencing hardship.
Advocating for Policy Change
Our advocacy team works on multiple fronts to strengthen organic markets so consumers and the environment can benefit from expanded sustainable agriculture practices. In 2024, we connected legislators directly with the organic farming community through farm tours, providing comments on California’s proposed definition of regenerative agriculture, and in-person workshops. These engagements help bring the needs of organic producers directly to policy makers.
Connecting our Community through Chapters & Networking
CCOF Chapters provide essential networking opportunities across different regions and sectors. These member-led groups meet regularly to discuss topics important to their areas, featuring expert speakers and connections to farming organizations and resources. Chapters help our certified members maintain successful organic businesses through peer-to-peer learning and relationship building.
Most chapters meet several times per year, fostering the community connections that have been central to CCOF’s mission since our founding. These gatherings represent the grassroots spirit that continues to drive our organization today.
Impact
Whether we’re helping a farmer navigate their first certification application, advocating for climate-smart policies, providing technical assistance through our Foundation programs, or facilitating connections at chapter meetings, our daily work reflects our commitment to the organic community that governs and guides us.
Every phone call answered, every policy victory achieved, and every farmer supported contributes to our shared vision of a world where organic agriculture thrives.
Learn more about CCOF’s year-round work supporting organic producers in our annual report.
