Dear CCOF Members and Supporters,
I want to express my gratitude for the continued resilience and dedication of our community; together, we’ve adapted to meet the evolving needs of a growing global organic marketplace.
In 2024, CCOF focused on maintaining the integrity of the organic label, developing new markets, educating consumers, and supporting American farmers transitioning to organic or expanding their organic production.
Maintaining organic integrity
As the global organic market continues to grow, so does the need for robust systems that support integrity and transparency.
On March 19, 2024, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) implemented the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule to safeguard confidence in organic products and minimize fraud throughout the organic supply chain.
To implement the SOE rule, CCOF overhauled our certification processes for importers, brokers, processors, and handlers. We released a series of bilingual educational videos, selfassessment materials, office hours, and other resources to support our members in a smooth transition to complying with the USDA rule and upholding the integrity of the USDA Organic seal.
Fostering market development and consumer trust
Consumer demand for organic is soaring as shoppers seek safe, healthy, and minimally processed products. Yet consumer data also
shows that consumers do not always understand how organic food production aligns with their health and sustainability values. To help address these challenges, CCOF launched a new scope of work focused on market development and consumer education.
Market development and consumer education initiatives in 2024 included:
- Building an unprecedented consumer education campaign, including a series of nationwide video ads featuring CCOF clients, which are now being broadcast on streaming platforms like Roku and YouTube and are projected to reach over 50 million views by the end of 2026.
- Launching a new CCOF website on Earth Day 2024 to better serve visitors and educate consumers about the value of organic farming and products.
- Introducing an improved CCOF member directory, enabling consumers to directly connect with producers and handlers to find organic products, processed products, and services certified by CCOF.
- Leading our first organic trade mission to Mexico, connecting 10 certified organic producers with buyers in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Our market development work aligns with research from the Organic Trade Association highlighting trends in Gen Z consumer behavior: even as more labels enter the market, younger consumers still trust the USDA
Organic seal above all other agricultural labels. The findings reinforce the importance of CCOF’s work to ensure that the organic label remains a symbol of quality and integrity.
Supporting American farmers and U.S. production
The growth of organic sales continues to outpace the growth of organic farmland in the U.S., creating both an overreliance on imported organic food and inputs and a ripe opportunity for more American farmers to transition to organic production. In 2024, as a lead in the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), the CCOF Foundation helped transition nearly 70,000 acres of conventional farmland across the southwestern and western U.S., including underserved crops like cotton.
Moving forward together
We recognize that our community is facing rising competition, increased costs, and more complex paperwork than in previous years. CCOF is committed to supporting you through these challenges. Your success is our priority, and we will continue to advocate for and support the growth of organic agriculture in partnership with you.
Kelly Damewood CCOF, Inc. CEO
How We Do Our Work
A member-based nonprofit organization that supports CCOF Certification Services and the CCOF Foundation with vital infrastructure while investing in advocacy, consumer education, and market development.
A nonprofit organic certification agency that connects organic producers across North America with personable, accessible certification services. Certification services include USDA Organic, food safety services
A nonprofit certification agency that certifies legally produced cannabis adhering to California regulations mirroring the National Organic Program standards.
GLOBALG.A.P. and PrimusGFS, Regenerative Organic Certification®, and Organic Plus Trust (OPT) Grass Fed.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers producers to go and stay organic. The CCOF Foundation unites the organic community through intentional education, financial support, and growth opportunities for organic professionals.
All CCOF entities undergo third-party audits annually. Due to the timing of this publication, the financial data in this report represents preaudited 2024 numbers.
CCOF in the Field
CCOF staff on a farm tour in July, where they learned more about how ALBA’s farm incubator programs help farmers pursue their goal of land ownership. Training institutes like ALBA are essential for nurturing new generations of organic farmers.
Salvador Ruiz, a CCOF Foundation Organic Transition Program grantee, surveys his crop.
Salvador and his family run a farm that grows specialty crops, including nopales, an edible cactus.
Domitila Tapia, a CCOF Foundation grantee who grows berries and mixed vegetables, shows off her certificate, demonstrating that she has completed the Foundation’s three-year Organic Transition Program. “I’m so happy to be able to work with CCOF, and they’ve helped me answer any questions I have.”
CCOF CEO Kelly Damewood gives an organic update to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, standing with former USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.
The CCOF Foundation’s Program Director Adrian Fischer and Donor Relations Manager Shawna Rodgers explore how to best serve communities of organic producers across the U.S. at a 2024 meeting at CCOF-certified Pie Ranch.
Certification Services
CCOF Certification Services, LLC provides personable and accessible certification services to nearly 5,000 growers, ranchers, handlers, retailers, brokers, importers, and restaurants across North America. We provide certification services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), organic transition, Regenerative Organic Certified® program, GLOBALG.A.P. and PrimusGFS food safety standards, Organic Plus Trust’s Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program, and the OCal Cannabis Certification.
CCOF updated our Organic System Plan (OSP) forms to a compliance with the USDA’s new, more specific Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS).
CCOF initiated and improved systems to send clients their Organic Integrity Database (OID) certificate at the beginning of every year. Clients can now access certificates at any time.
Our client base keeps growing! 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 ROC® program.
CCOF implemented a more efficient inspection billing process that saves time and boosts data accuracy.
CCOF launched a new financial assistance program, including reduced fees and hardship assistance for members impacted by declared disasters, disbursing over $44,000.
CCOF removed the minimum annual certification fee requirement for Mexico-based clients to help make certification accessible to operations across regions where we offer services.
CCOF supported organic trade by issuing 1,399 NOP import certificates in a timely, efficient manner.
Organic wine maker, David Lucas, at a CCOF Foundation lunch.
Certification Integrity
CCOF Certification Services, LLC upholds organic standards, provides superior customer service, and, above all, maintains its commitment to organic integrity. The CCOF seal is one of the most recognized and trusted seals in the organic market.
In 2024, 79 CCOF inspectors conducted 6,480 inspections to ensure clients are upholding standards across NOP, Food Safety, OCal, COR, and ROC certifications.
CCOF improved our risk-assessment system to ensure we are performing Supply Chain Traceability Audits on high-risk operations and aligning oversight accordingly.
CCOF performed 224 residue tests. 179 resulted in no detection. 59 resulted in detection that CCOF investigated. Of those 59 investigations, 28 resulted in exclusion from organic sale.
CCOF inspectors performed 272 unannounced inspections to ensure the integrity of the organic label.
CCOF suspended the certifications of 29 operations and revoked the certification of 1 operation to ensure that all CCOF-certified clients uphold the NOP standards.
Employee at Earl’s Organic Produce prepping boxes of organic squash.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Thank you very much for supporting us with such a quick turnaround for our inspection review. I must commend you and the rest of the CCOF team, especially Christine, Marli, and Jane, for the clear information, guidance, patience, and support that you showed us along this long process of certification.”
– Pablo Gutzalenko, Dalla Terra Winery Direct
“CCOF has been very good to work with so far because of all of the resources that you have given. We’re looking forward to continuing your partnership in obtaining our organic certification!”
– Quadra Chemicals
CCOF Certification Services offers bilingual assistance to reach clients in both English and Spanish. Please contact us today at getcertified@ccof. org or call us at (831)423-2263), extension 1. Our assistance is free of charge.
“I also want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the continuous support and guidance provided by CCOF throughout our certification journey. Your assistance has been invaluable in helping us achieve this milestone.”
– Green Jeeva Canada
“Our greatest organic farming triumph was achieving certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in 2008 for our Mt. Harlan vineyards. This milestone validated our years of steadfast commitment to organic practices…Through these efforts, we’ve created a thriving ecosystem where beneficial insects and natural pest control methods flourish, ensuring sustainable vineyard management and unparalleled grape quality year after year.”
– Brittney Clyde, Calera Winery
CCOF Certification Services, LLC Revenue: $21,551,824
CCOF Certification Services. LLC Expenses: $21,578,830
OCal Financials
CCOF OCal Certification Services, LLC (CCOF OCAL) serves California licensed commercial cannabis operations with a comparable-to-organic California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) program. OCal certification ensures that cannabis operations meet standards consistent with the National Organic Program.
OCal Certification Services, LLC Revenue: $64,035
CCOF Foundation Achievements
In 2024, the CCOF Foundation granted a record amount of funding for organic producers, with $125,000 in funding to Future Organic Farmers, $280,000 in funding to farmers transitioning to organic, and $1,145,000 granted to farmers in crisis.
CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmer grantee
Dysha Waites | Alison Marlborough Photography
Granted over $1.5M to 123 aspiring organic farmers and those experiencing hardship.
Supported 68,444 acres transition to organic through Organic Transition grants and the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
Contracted with 38 nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across seven states to implement TOPP.
Coordinated with 5 TOPP leads across the country to provide technical assistance and mentorship programs for producers transitioning to organic production.
Provided nearly 200 hours of 1:1 technical assistance to producers in their preferred language of English or Spanish.
Supported 248 organic technical assistance and community building events throughout the Western/Southwestern region, reaching 13,300 producers and service providers.
CCOF Foundation Endowment
Planting the seeds for a future where organic is the norm.
Guided by the wisdom of our farming roots, the CCOF Foundation unites the organic community to advance organic agriculture. We offer intentional education, financial support, and growth opportunities for organic professionals.
CCOF’s work has been rooted in community from the beginning, when founding members came together over 50 years ago, united by a shared commitment to an important cause. Our community has grown into a network of thousands of organic producers across North America and dedicated CCOF staff who are passionate about making a difference.
Becky Blythe, one of the most tenured staff at CCOF, chose to carry forward that passion when she bequeathed funds to the CCOF Foundation as seed money to grow our new CCOF Endowment. An endowment is a permanent source of funding that supports the CCOF Foundation’s vision of creating a world where organic is the norm. The fund’s principal is invested and preserved while a portion of the earnings is paid out each year to ensure ongoing support of organic agriculture. Essentially, the CCOF Endowment will enable the CCOF Foundation to support organic farmers, ranchers, and producers forever.
A donation to the endowment is your chance to ensure that your legacy gift has a lasting impact. Endowment funds will support critical CCOF Foundation programs, including:
» Scholarships for future organic farmers
» Disaster relief for organic farmers suffering hardship
» Wrap-around services for farmers transitioning land to organic
» Unrestricted funds to enhance the CCOF Foundation’s efforts to support farmers as they go and stay organic
Gifts can be made through:
- Donor-advised funds
- Gifts of stock
- Launching a fundraising effort at your store or online
- Check or cash
- Bequests and estate planning
- Multi-year commitment
Your legacy gift helps protect our natural resources and environmental well-being while increasing organic food access, public health, and socioeconomic benefits to all Americans. Contact CCOF Development Director Willow Aray at waray@ccof.org with questions or interest.
Meet CCOF Foundation Grantees
Future Organic Farmers
Future Organic Farmers gives $5,000 grants to students and farmers for organic-focused studies in higher education and vocational programs to advance their careers.
With the Future Organic Farmers grant, Tommy Contreras is expanding his hands-on knowledge of farming practices. “I was able to accomplish finishing the Organic Farm School and not be so stressed out about tuition costs,” he says. “In finishing the program and writing a business plan...I was able to reach an agreement with a very successful blueberry farm who will host me in having an incubator farm on their property.”
The Organic Transition Program provides three-year grants of $10,000 per year to farmers transitioning their land to organic production. Grantees also receive 1:1 organic technical assistance and access to farmer-to-farmer mentorships.
Verónica Mazariegos-Anastassiou is a first-generation American and first-generation farmer who farms organically for three reasons: responsible stewardship of the land, commitment to healthful foods, and an understanding that extractive practices have ripple effects throughout generations. With the help of the Organic Transition grant, she was able to transition 20 acres into organic certification in 2024.
TheCCOFFoundationreceivedanincrediblegenerousanonymous donationof$60,000in2024tosupporttheOrganicTransitionProgram.
Hardship Assistance
The Hardship Assistance Fund gives direct financial assistance of up to $20,000 per year to organic farmers and processors recovering from disasters like drought and flooding
“Our dairy means everything to us, and we vow to keep it going even in the hard times...The grant we were awarded...came at exactly the right time, giving us much needed relief.” - Marissa Silva
Organic Transition Program
TOPP Program
Demand for organic products continues to grow. However, beginning in 2022, the U.S. began to see a decline in total certified organic acreage, partly due to the retirements of the first certified organic farmers, as well as farmland and farm business consolidation.
The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is reversing this trend by providing mentorship, technical assistance, community building, and support to farmers who are looking to transition to organic production.
As the TOPP leader of the West/Southwest Region of the U.S., the CCOF Foundation connects 32 organizations across seven states, as well as thousands of producers each year, with events, technical assistance, and mentorship.
Bob Whitney began working with the CCOF Foundation Western and Southwestern Regional Center for Organic Transition through TOPP at its inception in 2023. He supports a wide network of growers in Texas seeking organic certification by helping them solve fertility issues, weed control, and various aspects of organic production.
“TOPP helped me give more focus to bringing in new growers.”
NRCS training for TOPP on cover crops (photo courtesy of Bob Whitney)
Foundation Financials
CCOF Foundation Revenue: $5,344,648
CCOF Foundation Total Expenses by Program:
Foundation Donors
Thank you to our 2024 CCOF Foundation donors for supporting organic!
Changemakers
Visionairies
Champions
Advocates
Argus Media
Bejo Seeds
Bolthouse Farms
Bonterra Organic Estates
Earl’s Organic Produce
Friends
Abundant Harvest Organics
AgroThrive, Inc.
Farmer and the Cook
Cultivators
CCOF Processor/Handler
Chapter Farm Credit
Front Porch Farm
New Hope Network
Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)
Pam Marrone
Sun-Maid Growers
Spottswoode Estate
Vineyard
Traditional Medicinals
True Organic Products
Whole Foods Market
Organic Farms Fertilizers
Good Earth Natural Foods
Lundberg Family Farms
Morty Cohen
Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
Sheppard Mullin
Soil Health Lab
Vitalis Organic Seeds
CCOF, Inc Key Achievements
CCOF. Inc. provides cost-effective infrastructure for all CCOF entities while advancing organic advocacy, consumer education, and market development.
Choose Your Farmer, Choose Organic
Connected over 170 organic farmers and producers through 11 chapter meetings.
Launched a series of video ads featuring CCOF clients, broadcasting to consumers nationwide through streaming TV –expected to reach more than 500 million views!
Provided over 180 annual meeting attendees with updates on CCOF’s progress toward our vision of a world where organic is the norm.
Introduced an improved CCOF member directory, enabling consumers, institutions, and businesses to directly connect with organic producers and handlers.
Led our first organic trade mission to Mexico, connecting 10 certified organic producers with buyers in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Launched a new CCOF website with an upgraded Resource Library, easy-tonavigate hubs for certification services, organic advocacy, Foundation resources, and consumer education.
Released a Small Producer Marketing Toolkit designed specifically for organic farmers and producers to grow their organic businesses and connect with more customers.
Advocating for Organic
Engaged over 60 CCOF members on a California State Board of Food and Agriculture definition of regenerative, securing reference to organic agriculture in the final recommendation.
Organized an organic dairy farm tour that connected 40 legislators, agency officials, industry stakeholders, and partners to suport organic in the marketplace.
Assisted 300 members with applications to the Organic Cost Share Program, including an in-person workshop offered with Spanish translation.
As part of a California statewide coalition, secured the approval of Prop 4, which included a $300 million investment in agriculture.
Launched a policy campaign to uplift organic food in Food is Medicine programs and other institutional procurement initiatives.
CCOF Policy Team with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, and officials from the CA State Assembly Committee on Agriculture, and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers.
CCOF Policy Team connects CA Assemblymember Damon Connolly with dairy farmer Mike Moretti.
CCOF, Inc Financials
CCOF, Inc Revenue: $6,980,347
CCOF, Inc Expenses: $6,524,280
CCOF, Inc. donates 2% of its certification revenue back to the community through the CCOF Foundation. In 2024, this contribution of $320,241 allowed the Foundation to raise an additional $5,024,804 to fund organic transition programs, scholarships, and hardship assistance!
CCOF Volunteer Board and Executives
2024 CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors:
Phil LaRocca, Chair, LaRocca Vineyards, North Valley Chapter
Malcolm Ricci, Vice Chair, Bolthouse Farms, Kern Chapter
Thaddeus Barsotti, Treasurer, Capay Organic and Farm Fresh to You, Yolo Chapter
Ted Vivatson, Secretary, Eel River Brewing, HumboltTrinity-Mendocino Chapter
Andrea Davis-Cetina, Quarter Acre Farm, At-Large Chapter
Genevieve Albers, Traditional Medicinals, North Coast Chapter
JoAnn Cherry / Camille Cherry*, MAHA Estate Wine/ Villa Creek Cellars, San Luis Obispo Chapter
Esteban Macias Padilla, Grupo U, Mexico Chapter
Justin Miller, Twin Peaks Orchard, Sierra Gold Chapter
Lily Nugent, Coke Farm, Central Coast Chapter
Liz Niles, Wise Ranch, South Coast Chapter
Nickie Salyer, Lundberg Family Farms, Processor/ Handler Chapter
Chad Crivelli, Live Oak Dairy, Big Valley Chapter
Robin Taylor, Sun Grown Organics, Pacific SW Chapter
Steven Cardoza, Cardoza and Cardoza Farms, FresnoTulare Chapter
*In Memoriam: CCOF is grateful for the contribution of JoAnn Cherry, who sadly passed away in 2024. Thank you to JoAnn’s daughter, Camille Cherry, for carrying on JoAnn’s legacy on the CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors.
CCOF Certification Services, LLC Management Committee:
Tom Willey, T&D Willey Farms (Retired)
Kelly Damewood, CCOF, Inc.
Charles Fowler, Fowler Ranch (Retired)
Gina Colfer, Wilbur Ellis Organics
Janning Kennedy (Retired)
CCOF Foundation Board of Trustees:
Kelly Damewood, CCOF, Inc.
Phil LaRocca, LaRocca Vineyards
Jess Newman, McCain Foods
Ted Vivatson, Eel River Brewing
John McKeon, Taylor Farms
Staff Executives:
Kelly Damewood, Chief Executive Officer, CCOF, Inc.
Felipe Sandoval, Chief Financial Officer, CCOF, Inc.
April Vasquez, Chief Certification Officer/Chief Operations Officer, CCOF Certification Services, LLC
Jessy Becket Parr, Chief Program Officer, CCOF Foundation
· fax (831) 423-4528
ccof@ccof.org · www.ccof.org
Tapia CCOF Organic Transition Grantee
Help fund the CCOF Foundation programs in perpetuity. Donate to our endowment fund today using the enclosed envelope or online by visiting www.ccof.org/donate.
Domitila
Photo by Adam Perez