California Ag Network

Tag: California Certified Organic Farmers

  • California Certified Organic Farmers Launches National Consumer Education Campaign

    As part of a $3 million match grant CCOF was awarded by the USDA for organic market development, CCOF has developed a “Choose Your Farmer. Choose Organic” series of streaming TV ads airing on Roku devices and YouTube. This unprecedented advertising campaign makes CCOF the first-ever organization to promote an organic consumer education campaign through national TV and digital advertising.

    “This grant enables CCOF to increase public confidence in the organic label while uplifting market opportunities for American organic producers,” says CCOF CEO Kelly Damewood.

    The ads connect consumers with real American organic farmers – the hardworking people nourishing our nation using farming practices that replenish our lands to support wholesome and flavorful foods grown the way nature intended. With a spotlight on small organic farmers or ranchers beginning their careers and farmers working with limited resources, CCOF’s ads uplift real working members of the organic community as they explain the rigor behind the USDA Organic label. 

    The ads feature five organic producers:

    In addition to the streaming TV ads, CCOF is releasing a series of mini-documentaries to dive more deeply into the producers’ organic operations and life journeys. CCOF’s campaign illuminates how purchasing certified organic products can provide peace of mind that the food you put on your family’s table comes from producers who care about you, your community, and building a healthy and prosperous nation. 

    CCOF is grateful for the opportunity to work with Blue Giant, a video production company famed for its award-winning commercials, Superbowl ads, and high-profile clients such as Disney and Lucasfilm.

                    

    Look out for the ads when enjoying your next streaming show!

    About California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)

    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 more than 50 years 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.

    For more information about CCOF, visit CCOF.org.

  • USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Producers’ Costs for Organic Certification

    WASHINGTON, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019.

    “Producers can visit their local FSA county offices to apply for up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “This also gives organic producers an opportunity to learn about other valuable USDA resources, like farm loans and conservation assistance, that can help them succeed. Organic producers can take advantage of a variety of USDA programs from help with field buffers to routine operating expenses to storage and handling equipment.”

    OCCSP received continued support through the 2018 Farm Bill. It provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Eligible expenses for cost-share reimbursement include application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.

    Certified producers and handlers are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 75 percent of certification costs each year, up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope, including crops, livestock, wild crops, handling and state organic program fees.

    Opportunities for State Agencies

    Today’s announcement also includes the opportunity for state agencies to apply for grant agreements to administer the OCCSP program in fiscal 2019. State agencies that establish agreements for fiscal year 2019 may be able to extend their agreements and receive additional funds to administer the program in future years.

    FSA will accept applications from state agencies for fiscal year 2019 funding for cost-share assistance through May 29, 2019.

    More Information

    To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit the OCCSP webpage, view the notice of funds availability on the Federal Register, or contact your FSA county office. To learn more about USDA support for organic agriculture, visit usda.gov/organic.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

  • Organic Grower Summit Coming to Monterey

    Monterey, Calif., (August 1, 2017) – General attendee registration is now open for the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS), slated for December 13-14 in Monterey, CA. A joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will bring together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.

    Attendee registration is $399, with discounts available for CCOF members. The registration includes all activities and events associated with the event, including opening reception, breakfast, educational sessions, keynote presentation, lunch and trade show floor.

    Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their attendance to date at the event, with more than half of the 72 available trade show booths sold. Among participating exhibitors are leaders in the fields of seed, packaging, soil amendments, food safety and ag technology who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors and food safety experts.

    “The Organic Grower Summit offers an important opportunity for agricultural producers and leaders to network and stay on top of the latest trends in organic production,” said Cathy Calfo, CCOF Executive Director/CEO, “The overwhelming enthusiasm for this gathering speaks to its importance for California’s organic and agricultural community.”

    Educational session panels at OGS will range in topics including farm soil management, environmentally sustainable packaging, advances in agricultural technology, and a discussion with elected state and federal officials on key issues facing agriculture. Among confirmed speakers are Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Miles McEvoy, deputy administrator at USDA-AMS; plus additional keynote presentations and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

    Additionally, OGS is finalizing an educational Outreach Program for PCA, PRC and qualified applicators to kick off the event. Attendees are eligible for two hours of approved continuing education credit and will learn about new requirements for pesticide use near schools and worker protection standards.

    “The response to the event has been resoundingly positive from the organic community. They see the benefit of an event connecting organic growers and farmers with those on the supply and service provider side of the business. As organics continues to grow, the need for expanded education and information throughout the organic production community will be vital to our continued success,” said Tonya Antle, co-founder of OPN. “Our relationship with CCOF in putting together the OGS indicates we are producing the right event at the right time in bringing our community together.”

    For further information about the first-ever Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com