Chapter Update CCOF Chapters in the Limelight

by Jane Sooby

The CCOF chapters have been on the move this year, diligently overseeing member meetings and conducting elections. Most meetings featured delicious food and drink for participants.

Pacific Southwest Chapter

Let's start our review with the Pacific Southwest Chapter, where Robin Taylor of Sun Grown Organic Distributors was elected as the new board representative, while Soleil Develle of Pan O'Rama Farms in Fallbrook assumed the role of treasurer. Soleil has previously served as a chapter leader. Karen Archipley of Archi’s Acres, Escondido, was re-elected chapter president. We extend our gratitude to Karen for her dedicated 12 years of service on the CCOF Board.

The Pacific Southwest Chapter has been holding regular meetings, and members residing in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and south Los Angeles counties should keep an eye on their email for invitations.

Central Coast Chapter

Turning our attention to the Central Coast Chapter, the leadership baton passed to Lily Nugent of Coke Farm, who was elected as board representative. Patricia Prieto, also hailing from Coke Farm, took up the position of treasurer. Chapter leaders orchestrated a well-attended meeting in Watsonville that will go down in CCOF history as the first fully bilingual chapter gathering. The meeting featured enlightening presentations, including a certification update by CCOF Farm Certification Specialist Viviana Renteria Quintero and a discussion on nitrogen challenges in organic no-till farming by one of organic’s early innovators, Tom Willey, and Tim Stemwedel of California Organic Fertilizers.

Kern Chapter

The Kern Chapter commenced the year with a hybrid online/ in-person meeting under the leadership of chapter president Kim Dixon, representing Bolthouse Farms in Bakersfield. Numerous CCOF staff presented updates, including Caitlin Slay on the Regenerative Organic Certified® program, Laetitia Benador and Jessica González with a policy update, and April Hammerand Jones with a certification update. Cassandra Christine of the Organic Trade Association provided valuable insights into organic fraud prevention training. Board representative Malcolm Ricci of Bolthouse Farms delivered an update on the board's activities.

Humboldt-Trinity-Mendocino Chapter

The Humboldt-Trinity-Mendocino Chapter chose the charming Eel River Brewing Company in Fortuna as the venue for their meeting. This delightful gathering, hosted by Ted Vivatson, owner of Eel River and chapter board representative, offered attendees a sumptuous dinner and refreshing beverages. Members participated in a lively discussion of challenges they face, including losses from both drought and snow and increased energy and propane costs. The CCOF Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Jessy Beckett Parr attended and shared valuable information about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Sierra Gold Chapter

The Sierra Gold Chapter invited members to a meeting at Twin Peaks Orchards in Newcastle that started with a tour of the orchards followed by a program that featured a presentation on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Farm to School program. CCOF’s Education Manager and Owner of Dinner Bell Farm Molly Nakahara provided information on the forthcoming farmer mentorship program as part of TOPP. Randy Hansen, the chapter's president and treasurer, diligently organized the meeting and offered a comprehensive financial report.

Yolo Chapter

Yolo held a meeting hosted by chapter secretary Christopher “Landy” Landercasper at his Vacaville farm, Landerosa. Landy, brimming with enthusiasm, shared news of the grand opening of his new slaughter facility in Sonoma, capable of processing an astounding 100,000 poultry per year. Furthermore, he revealed his plans for future expansion to accommodate sheep, hog, and cattle processing. Ed Sills of Pleasant Grove Farms and longtime treasurer for the chapter provided a financial update.

San Luis Obispo Chapter

San Luis Obispo once again chose the stunning Avila Valley Barn as the venue for their meeting. Amidst the pleasant ambiance, participants indulged in a delectable dinner while listening to a series of captivating presentations. CCOF Farm Certification Specialist Adriana Chavez presented a certification update, and District Conservationist Emma Chow from the Natural Resources Conservation Service offered information on conservation funding. Oliver Mikkelson, the chapter's secretary hailing from MAHA Estate Wine/ Villa Creek Cellars, delivered insightful remarks on organic wine grape production. Matthew Grieshop, director of the Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, concluded the program with comments on climate change. Kudos to chapter president Ande Manos of Babé Farms for ensuring the meeting’s success.

At-Large Chapter

The At-Large Chapter opted for an online gathering with an intimate conversation with none other than Jennifer Tucker, the National Organic Program deputy administrator. This exclusive session provided members with a unique opportunity to engage one-on-one with Dr. Tucker. CCOF Chief Certification Officer April Vasquez presented a certification update, and board representative Andrea DavisCetina offered remarks. A recording of the meeting is posted on CCOF’s YouTube channel.