California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting organic agriculture through various initiatives such as certification, education, advocacy, and community services. CCOF has successfully positioned itself as an authoritative entity providing guidance to growers, producers, and enterprises regarding organic requirements.

Among the services offered by CCOF are various certification programs ranging from individual farmers to processors, handlers, retailers, brokers, and even livestock operations. Apart from certification services, CCOF organizes training workshops for individuals seeking to develop a career in organic agriculture.

Organic agriculturalists have their interests represented by CCOF within governmental jurisdictions through advocacy activities aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable policies. Additionally, CCOF, via its CCOF Foundation, offers grants and education to farmers and the farming communities.

A key focus of the organization is sustainability and the establishment of resilient food systems, which would ensure that organic farming takes center stage in the future.

Services Offered by CCOF

CCOF Certification Services

CCOF provides a complete certification service for farmers, processors, handlers, and livestock producers. In other words, it ensures that these products are certified to meet federal organic standards, as well as being certified by CCOF.

New customers will get support during the certification process, which involves explaining to them how the whole procedure works, including timelines, cost estimates, etc. Customer support is offered in both English and Spanish, and its main idea is to help you understand everything about the certification process free of charge. Customers can also find useful information concerning proper labeling in the Labeling and Logos section.

Certified clients can communicate with a Certification Service Specialist who answers their questions regarding this process within one or two business days. Also, clients can use the online service of MyCCOF to manage all certification processes online, such as finding certified suppliers, handling materials, downloading necessary documents, inspecting, etc.

In addition to that, CCOF offers a convenient way of reporting on contaminated products. Thus, with all these opportunities offered by CCOF, producers can grow, make, and raise food following organic requirements.

CCOF Certified Transitional Program

The Certified Transitional Program of CCOF is aimed at helping farmers get started with the process of obtaining organic certification during the three-year transition period. It is worth saying that the transitional program is aimed not only at recognizing sustainable agriculture but also at preparing the farm for organic certification. Transitional certification makes it possible to broaden marketing opportunities by communicating to buyers the commitment to the organic farming practice.

For certification as transitional, it is necessary to demonstrate that the land was not used for any restricted activities for at least a year, and also to show the willingness of the operator to be part of the program through an approved OSP. It is important to note that transitional products cannot be marketed as organic ones.

There are also additional services that CCOF provides for mentorship and assistance to growers who are transitioning into organics in programs such as the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), self-assessment, and the 10-step Organic Checklist. There is information available about the USDA organic rules, economic challenges to transitioning, and the USDA Transitional Producer Plan.

The Certified Transitional Program helps farms embrace sustainability and be successful in the expanding organic market.

CCOF Food Safety Services

CCOF offers all-around food safety certification for farms, greenhouses, harvest crews, storage facilities, distribution centers, packing facilities, and some processes. Tailored for operations with the production of organic products that are safe for the environment and consumers, the programs facilitate adherence to consumer safety and environmental standards, along with buyer standards.

With CCOF, food producers and processors can gain certification through GLOBALG.A.P. IFA, PHA, and HPSS standards, as well as PrimusGFS v3.2, which guarantees compliance with GFSI standards. Through the certifications, operations can offer buyers third-party audit reports on food safety compliance.

CCOF combines food safety and organic certification, enabling the client to use one auditor for both programs. In addition, the certifications ensure that operations comply with regulatory mandates like the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

By combining experience, integrity, and innovation in certifications, CCOF enables organic food producers and processors to meet food safety and organic compliance requirements efficiently.

Kelly Damewood - CEO

Kelly Damewood is the CEO of CCOF, dedicated to helping organic farmers thrive. With firsthand farming experience and a strong legal background, she previously served as CCOF’s policy director, leading initiatives to modernize state regulations for organic producers and promote organic production and consumption in California. Damewood holds a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and a Master of Laws in Agricultural and Food Law from the University of Arkansas, combining legal expertise with a passion for sustainable agriculture.

"CCOF continues to empower organic farmers and businesses by combining certification, education, and advocacy, creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports growth, resilience, and long-term success."