This September, Wild Roots Market celebrates 25 years as a certified organic grocery store, marking a remarkable milestone in the history of sustainable retail. As California’s first certified organic grocery store, Wild Roots Market has long been committed to protecting the integrity of organic food—from farm to shelf—and supporting the hardworking farmers who grow it.
Why Retail Certification Matters
Certification isn’t just for farms and processing facilities—retailers can play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of organic products. Wild Roots Market’s CCOF certification ensures that every product on the shelf meets rigorous organic standards, including:
- Preventing contamination and commingling with conventional products
- Verifying that cleaning and sanitation practices protect organic integrity
- Maintaining accurate labeling and documentation
For shoppers, this means confidence that the organic food they purchase truly reflects the care and standards of the farmers who produced it. For farmers, it signals that retailers value their dedication to sustainable, chemical-free farming.
A Legacy of Supporting Organic Agriculture
The California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has been a cornerstone of the organic movement for over 50 years. Founded in 1973 with just 54 grower members, CCOF began as a grassroots effort launched fromthe home of founder Barney Bricmont in Santa Cruz, California. Its mission was simple: define organic standards and certify growers to ensure that the food they produced was nontoxic. Today, CCOF has grown into a trusted tri-part organization, supporting thousands of farmers across the country while protecting our land, resources, and access to clean, wholesome food.
The CCOF Foundation: Growing the Future of Organic
Guided by the wisdom of its farming roots, the CCOF Foundation advances organic agriculture by supporting the people and communities who care for the land. Through education, financial assistance, and growth opportunities, the Foundation empowers organic farmers to succeed. Programs include:
- Resources for farmers transitioning to organic
- Organic-focused trainings and workshops
- Financial support for producers, including emergency relief and scholarships
Over the past 50 years, the CCOF Foundation has helped transition more than 168,000 acres to organic and supported thousands of organic professionals. Our vision is bold: a world where organic is the norm, where healthy food is accessible to all, and where agriculture contributes to healing the planet.
Join the Celebration
This September, shoppers at Wild Roots Market in Felton and Boulder Creek can participate in a special fundraiser benefiting the CCOF Foundation. Donations at checkout directly support our Grow Organic campaign and our programs that help organic farmers grow their operations, recover from disasters, and train the next generation of sustainable agriculture professionals. Every contribution helps expand the benefits of organic farming—for the planet, the climate, and communities nationwide.
Organic Rising Screening – September 25 at Felton Community Hall
We’re teaming up with Wild Roots Market for a community screening of Organic Rising, a documentary that takes a thoughtful look at how our food is grown and why it matters. Join us on Thursday, September 25 at Felton Community Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the film runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and we’ll wrap up with a casual Q&A from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. featuring folks from Wild Roots and Shawna Rodgers from the CCOF Foundation.
This event is part of a fundraiser for the CCOF Foundation, which supports organic farmers and education. Donations at the door are welcome and appreciated—but not required. Just come as you are.
Whether you farm, shop local, or simply care about good food and healthy land, we’d love to see you there.
Together, Wild Roots Market and the CCOF Foundation celebrate the legacy of 25 years of certified organic retail leadership while investing in the next 50 years of thriving, resilient, and sustainable agriculture. 🌱 Shop, donate, and help grow a healthier world this Organic Month.
