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About Us

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California over half a century ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

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How We Work

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We do this through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion, which is carried out by three different branches of the organization: CCOF, Inc., CCOF Certification Services, LLC, and the CCOF Foundation.

CCOF, Inc.

Governed by a member-elected Board of Directors, CCOF, Inc. provides infrastructure for our certification, advocacy, and Foundation programs.

CCOF Certification Services, LLC

We certify farms, livestock operations, processors, retailers, private labelers, and restaurants, ensuring organic integrity from farm to fork. CCOF Certification Services, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCOF, Inc., governed by the LLC Management Committee.

CCOF Foundation

The CCOF Foundation invests in new organic professionals, supports farmers facing hardship, and promotes consumer understanding of organic agriculture.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance organic agriculture for a healthy world. We accomplish our purpose through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion.

Our Vision

By 2030, CCOF will stand alongside organic producers to build a just and economically strong organic sector. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where organic is not the alternative – but the everyday way we grow, eat, and live.

We accomplish this vision by:

  • Streamlining certification with care
  • Equipping producers for success
  • Shaping policy through lived experience
  • Driving the future of consumer and producer trust

 

Our Values

We value:

Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence with an unwavering commitment to organic principles, transparency, honesty, and respect for our community of staff, governance, and members.

Courage

We muster the strength to do what is right, not what is comfortable or easy. We embrace tough conversations, fight for change, and lead big ideas.

Community

People come first. From our members to our staff, we make human-centered decisions and take great care to expand our circle of people dedicated to advancing organic.

Representing Organic Producers

Our organization was founded and remains governed by organic producers. With over 4,500 certified members, we ground our work in the shared experience of people and companies working to build a healthier world.

Our Organic Principles

Organic standards promote and enhance conservation practices that encourage soil health and support a variety of natural resources. The legacy of organic will be the catalyzation of safe, healthy, and humane production systems. CCOF believes that organic standards should continually evolve to address a broadening range of issues, including:

Animal Welfare

CCOF believes that organic livestock standards should require humane and ethical treatment of animals during all stages of production, including transport and slaughter.

Natural Resources

CCOF believes that organic standards should encourage stewardship of land and waterways, including conservation practices that encourage soil health and support natural resources. These practices directly benefit farmers by building more fertile soils that require fewer inputs.

Processing Standards

CCOF believes that organic standards should require processors to produce safe foods that are minimally processed without the use of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.

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2% for Organic

Simply by choosing CCOF for their organic certification, each CCOF-certified operation gives 2% of their certification fees back to the CCOF Foundation. That 2% enables the CCOF Foundation to give grants to teachers and students studying organic, provide financial assistance to organic farmers in need, develop education programs for future and prospective organic professionals, and promote consumer education about organic. Our Foundation Members, Business Partners, sponsors, and grantors help fill in the remaining funding necessary to keep advancing organic agriculture.

Get Involved with CCOF

Want to be a part of our organic community? CCOF members receive exclusive benefits and promotion, plus they can feel good about helping to cultivate change in our food system.

Get Active with Chapters

CCOF members shape the future of organic by organizing events and advocating for research and programs.

Find your CCOF Chapter

Learn more about us

History

See CCOF's 50+ year history

History

Board & Committees

To help guide our work and serve the organic community, CCOF has three governing boards and several committes.

Board and Committees

Work at CCOF

CCOF is a growing organization that seeks highly qualified and trained professionals.

Work at CCOF