As we celebrate Organic Month this September, we look back on the growing impact of our work advancing organic.
In 2024, the CCOF Foundation granted over $1.5 million to 123 aspiring organic farmers and those experiencing hardship. We additionally supported more than 500 farm businesses throughout the Western & Southwestern United States with technical assistance through more than 30+ partner organizations. Through these efforts, we’re protecting the land, safeguarding our communities, and fostering a healthier world. We invite you to be part of this movement.
Here’s how your support of the CCOF Foundation creates lasting change:
- Growing the Next Generation – In 2024, the Future Organic Farmers program awarded $125,000 in scholarships to 25 students and beginning farmers stepping into organic agriculture. This program has now awarded more than $1 million to students in 46 states, building a strong future for family farms and clean, natural food production.
- Supporting Farmers in Times of Need – The CCOF Foundation’s Hardship Assistance Fund stands as the only national program providing direct financial relief exclusively to certified organic farmers facing extreme weather and climate impacts. In 2024, the Foundation granted $1,145,000 to farmers in crisis, helping organic operations rebuild and continue serving their communities.
- Learning, Growing, and Thriving Together – The CCOF Foundation supported 248 organic technical assistance and community building events throughout the Western/Southwestern region in 2024, reaching 13,300 producers and service providers. The Foundation also provided nearly 200 hours of personalized technical assistance to producers in their preferred language of English or Spanish.
“This grant has given me access to more knowledge resources that will empower me to continue making a meaningful difference in my community. I am deeply appreciative of the support provided by CCOF.”
– Sheila Wambui, CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmer
- Breaking Barriers to Organic Transition – In 2024, the CCOF Foundation awarded $280,000 in funding to farmers transitioning to organic, supporting 68,444 acres in their journey to clean, natural farming practices. Through our various Organic Transition initiatives, we’ve awarded $1.5M to farmers in 42 California counties and supported transition efforts in 20 other states. As the current lead for the Western & Southwestern region of the USDA’s Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), the CCOF Foundation coordinates with 5 national TOPP leads and works directly with 38 nonprofit organizations across seven states to ensure long-term success for farmers transitioning to organic.
Your donation to the CCOF Foundation ensures that organic farmers have the resources and support they need to grow organic.
With your help, we can continue to support the farmers who are making an impact in organic agriculture. By investing in organic farmers, you’re supporting healthy soil, clean water, and thriving rural economies. This Organic Month, join us in building that future—farm by farm, community by community.
