c e r t i f i e d WINTER 2007
organic news, events and certification updates
Protecting Sustainable Resources
Expedited Certification Services Offered | E. Coli Update | GMO News
Going Organic Quick Facts | Organic Events Calendar | Film Review: A Silent Forest TM table of contents
First Words— ——————————————————————————————4 Film Review——————————————————————————————24 From CCOF Board Chair Will Daniels A Silent Forest. The Growing Threat of GE Trees
CCOF and Organic News———————————————————————6 Classifieds— —————————————————————————————28 First Organic Farmer Elected to United States Senate • Congress’ First Order of Business: the 2007 Farm Bill • Four New Members Appointed Calendar————————————————————————————————29 to National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) • Western Organic Dairy New Members and Certified Clients— —————————————30 Producers Form Alliance • CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture against Erroneous, Uninformed Attacks • CCOF Offers Something for Everyone • CCOF is Moving! • Visit CCOF at These Upcoming Events Certification News GMO News————————————————————————————————8 Certification Developments & Improvements—————————————21— USDA Accepting Grant Applications for GMO Risk Assessments • USDA New Harvey Lawsuit Dismissed———————————————————— 21— Deregulates Bayer’s Contamination-Causing GE Rice Strain LLRICE601 New Labeling Rules for Quebec Market———————————————22— • SunWest Calls for Legislation Banning GE Rice in California • Expedited Certification Program————————————————————22— International Commodity Traders Go GMO-Free • Thailand and Vietnam Join Forces to Protect Export Markets and Reject GMOs • Mexico Bans GE Maize – for Now • “Booming” GE Ethanol Industry May Seize Conservation Reserve Lands
Political Advocacy——————————— 12 Member Benefits———————————— 12 Going Organic Quick Facts— ———— 12 Know Your CCOF———————————— 14 Introducing the CCOF Staff
Member Highlights— ————————— 15
Protecting Sustainable Resources— ——————————————— 16 Voting Organic with Your Dollars and Sense
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Winter 2007 Certified Organic c e r t i f i e d first words CCOF Board of Directors Officers Will Daniels: Chair My personal experience amid Roy Reeves: Vice Chair Malcolm Ricci: Secretary The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak Steve Bird: Treasurer Board By Will Daniels company, it is a watershed event in our Stephanie Alexandre industry because status quo “industry best Jim Cochran ntil about mid-day, practices” are being questioned, and we Erik Eklund USeptember 14, 2006 are now implementing additional food Michael Fowler was just another beauti- safety procedures that will prevent future Cindy Lashbrook Carl Rosato ful autumn day. But, it E. coli occurrences. Richard Taylor turned out to be far from The biggest change is Earthbound Paul Underhill ordinary – it was the day Farm’s new “Test & Hold” program, where John Wise that the FDA issued its every lot of raw product is tested for E. warning to the general public not to con- coli, salmonella and other pathogens. Any CCOF Certification Services sume fresh spinach. It came in response lots testing positive for such pathogens LLC, Management Committee to reports from the Centers for Disease are diverted and dumped. The program Emily Brown Rosen Karen Klonsky, Ph.D. Control (CDC) that an E. coli outbreak has been used with success in the beef Peggy Miars was underway across several states, the industry, resulting in the diversion of Sean Swezey, Ph.D. common link being spinach. contaminated products from the market The next day, with only the knowl- and a significant reduction of food borne Production edge that some of our products might be illness, and we’re working on a finished Editors: Colleen Bednarz; Ellen implicated, Natural Selection Foods (dba goods testing program based on these Farmer; and Peggy Miars Design and Production: Earthbound Farm) issued a voluntary same principles. Staci Sambol, Slub Design recall of all brands produced, including As we move forward, we plan on Writers: CCOF certification and Earthbound Farm organic, just as the FDA testing all inputs, including seeds, soil, magazine editorial staff and outside chose to take a broad swipe at protect- fertilizers and water. We will work closely contributors. ing public health. That’s why we recalled with our growers to ensure that they are Copyright © 2007, CCOF, Inc. all of our spinach products, including following our Good Agricultural Practices organic items. At that early stage in the and farming with established setbacks Certified Organic is published quarterly investigation, we just didn’t know enough from cattle ranches and other livestock. by CCOF and serves CCOF’s diverse client to limit the scope of the recall safely. As While some of the enhancements to base, supporting members, and others in the organic industry including consumers the investigation unfolded, however, DNA our program may not be viable for every and affiliated businesses. We welcome evidence implicated only conventional farmer and processor, it is imperative that submissions in the form of letters to the product that we had packed, not organic. we each take a close look at our food safe- editor and article submissions. Letters and articles must be signed and will Because we are most closely associated ty practices and make sure we are doing not be returned. Submission does not with our Earthbound Farm organic brand, all we can to protect the consumer as well guarantee printing. Contact CCOF at many in the produce industry and the me- as the organic industry. [email protected] or 831-423-2263 for dia quickly jumped to the conclusion that With that in mind, I am working on more information. organic practices were the culprit. In fact, developing a post-harvest organic han- Advertising: Display and classified the only true support we received dur- dling workshop for CCOF members that advertising is available at reasonable ing this trying time was from our friends focuses on food safety. In the meantime, rates. Quarterly circulation includes and colleagues in the organic industry I hope you’ll take this cautionary tale to CCOF’s entire client base, supporting members, consumers and a wide variety including CCOF, OFRF and OTA. This is a heart - be sure your focus on the safety of of organic marketplace participants. clear lesson that organic producers must your products is sharp, as the continued For rates visit www.ccof.org/advertise.php be vigilant in their food safety practices success of the organic industry depends or contact CCOF at [email protected] because the vocal, heavily-funded organic on us all! or 831-423-2263. opposition will use any opportunity to undermine consumer confidence in or- Will Daniels is Quality Assurance CCOF ganic foods. Director for Earthbound Farm/Natural 1115 Mission Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Although this outbreak has been tragic Selection Foods and Chair of CCOF’s Board (831) 423-2263 • fax (831) 423-4528 for the victims, their families and our of Directors. [email protected] • www.ccof.org t
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CCOF and Organic News First Organic Farmer Elected to United States Senate! Senator Elect Jon Tester, an organic farmer for nearly CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture against Erroneous, 20 years has been elected as a U. S. Senator from the state Uninformed Attacks of Montana. Jon and his wife Sharla own T-Bone Farms, a Immediately following the tragic news of the E. coli diversified organic operation on 1,400 acres in Big Sandy, O157:H7 outbreak from spinach, organic food and processing Montana, and were also named outstanding agricultural lead- methods were unjustly and wrongfully attacked by the ers by the College of Agriculture at the University of Montana media, bringing erroneous information to consumers in 2005. Jon Tester previously served as the national treasurer worldwide. CCOF stepped in by publishing a press release for the Organic Crop Improvement Association International, on September 25th in hopes of clearing up the confusion helped develop the Montana Organic Certification program, and to defend organic agriculture from the mounting at- and has served in the Montana State Senate. We congratulate tacks. Shortly thereafter, on October 12th, the U.S. FDA and him on this historic achievement and know he will bring an important, unprecedented, and much-needed perspective to the State of California released their findings implicating the U.S. Senate. the source as cattle feces from adjacent cattle ranches, which were linked to conventional bagged spinach sold Congress’ First Order of Business: the 2007 Farm Bill under the Dole brand. What became clear to us during and While some believe the 2007 Farm Bill will closely resem- after the outbreak was that corporate-backed media sen- ble the last, many groups involved in organic and sustainable sationalists used this opportunity as an attempt to discredit agriculture are demanding reform of existing legislative organic foods. The only positive aspect to this outbreak is patterns so that organic agriculture gets the attention it so the increased consumer awareness of organic foods. rightfully deserves. First and foremost, farm groups are push- ing for the end of subsidies that support big agri-business with billions of dollars a year, and in turn keep small and family farmers below the poverty line, in foreclosure, or even January of 2007. Gerry Davis, of CCOF certified Grimmway worse. Subsidy monies must be filtered back into the system Farms, currently still holds a seat on the NOSB. to support actual farmers. Also, because the organic industry is consistently growing over 20% each year, it is highly deserv- Western Organic Dairy Producers Form Alliance ing of more than the $4.5 million it receives each year for Following the Western Organic Dairy Conference in Eu- research, out of the total $1 billion in research set aside annu- reka this past spring, a group of dedicated dairy producers ally. CCOF supports The Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) formed a steering committee to lay the groundwork for the position for establishing an organic title within the next Farm official formation of the Western Organic Dairy Producers Bill, with the following four provisions: 1) A National Organ- Alliance (WODPA). Within six months, a conference was ic Agriculture Initiative to provide overall policy direction for planned, a Constitution written, and Bylaws mapped out increasing U.S. organic production, comparable to efforts un- for membership approval. On October 10th, the first an- derway abroad. 2) An Organic Production Office responsible nual conference for the WODPA successfully initiated the for coordinating communication between all USDA organic organization as the leading voice to represent organic dairy programs. 3) Support, enhancement, re-authorization, and producers in the Western Region of the United States. The improvement for existing legislation dealing with organic ag- WODPA is established as a 501 (c)(5) non-profit corporation riculture, and 4) Agency Cooperative Programs (many USDA with five committees, and Tony Azevedo acting as President. agencies have existing programs that could be expanded to For information contact [email protected]. meet the needs of organic producers). CCOF Offers Something for Everyone Four New Members Appointed to National Organic CCOF has been busy organizing and attending a series Standards Board (NOSB) of diverse events to promote organics. First up was the PMA Steve DeMuri, of CCOF certified Campbell Soup Com- Fresh Summit Conference in San Diego, where CCOF staff pany, has been named to the National Organic Standards promoted organic certification and made important con- Board as a Handler member. The other three appointees are tacts within the produce industry. Immediately following Tracy Miedema, Tina Ellor, and Katarina Heinze. The four was CCOF’s First Organic Beer and Wine Tasting Event on new members will serve terms of five years beginning in late October 26th at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market’s Harvest
Certified Organic Winter 2007 ccof news
Festival in San Fran- Visit CCOF at These Upcoming Events: cisco, showcasing our • Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, January 21 - 23 members’ wine and • Eco-Farm Conference in Pacific Grove, CA, beer-making skills. We January 24 - 27 plan to make this an • CA League of Food Processors Expo in Sacramento, CA, annual event! CCOF January 29 - 31 then attended the San • World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA, February 13 -15 Francisco Green Festi- • The CCOF Annual Meeting in Madera, CA, val to spread awareness February 16 - 17 about our efforts and • Natural Products Expo-West in Anaheim, CA, the important work March 8-11 we do in the name of • Western Dairy Conference in Fortuna, CA, March 15 - 17 organic integrity. The following week, CCOF and the Epicurean DVD Now Available: Organic Farming, Past, Present, and Connection hosted a Future. five-cityNon-GMO Ed- Visit www.ccof.org to order your copy today! ucation and Dialogue with Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian canola farmer who was sued by Mon- Top, Eel River Brewing Company partici- santo, bringing his story pates in the CCOF Beer and Wine Tasting Event at the Ferry Plaza in San Francisco. of ongoing struggle and Bottom, Phil LaRocca of LaRocca Vine- hard facts about GMO’s yards shares stories and samples with to a greater audience. patrons during the CCOF tasting event. Special guests on the tour included Dr. Igna- cio Chapella and Michael Pollan. Last but not least, CCOF, with co-sponsorship from Cal Poly State University’s Sustain- able Agriculture Resource Consortium, held the 5th Annual Sustainable Agricul- ture Pest Control Advisor Conference which offered expertise and continuing education for professionals in the field.
CCOF is Moving! As we welcome new Percy Schmeiser certification and trade as- sociation members to CCOF, we are outgrowing our office space! CCOF has been in our old Victorian house for several years, but it’s time to move to a bigger, more modern facility where we can better serve our members. We’ll actually have enough parking spaces for all of our employees’ cars, and we’ll be able to host board and committee meetings in our larger conference room. Look for details in the next edition of Certified Organic.
Winter 2007 Certified Organic gmo news GMO Contamination Exposed
USDA Accepting Grant Applications for GMO Risk compares impacts of organisms modified through genetic Assessments! engineering to other types of production systems; 5) Other In a groundbreaking and exciting move, the USDA just areas of research designed to further the purposes of the announced a new grant opportunity for projects assessing the USDA BRAG program. See RFA for details. www.csrees.usda. risks of GMO crops. Description: “The purpose of the USDA gov/funding/rfas/biotech_risk.html Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grants (BRAG) Program is to assist Federal regulatory agencies in making science-based USDA Deregulates Bayer’s Contamination-Causing GE decisions about the effects of introducing genetically modi- Rice Strain LLRICE601 fied organisms into the environment. Investigations of effects In a predictable response to Bayer CropScience’s petition on both managed and natural environments are relevant. to retroactively deregulate the unapproved, GE long-grain Applications to the USDA BRAG Program must seek partial rice that contaminated commercial rice bins and food sup- funding for a conference or address one of the following plies around the world, the USDA has chosen to deregulate areas: 1) Identify and develop practices to minimize risks as- the strain. What continues to send international food mar- sociated with genetically engineered organisms; 2) Research kets into a feverish frenzy of import bans and lawsuits, the methods to monitor the dispersal of genetically engineered USDA now states that the strain is “determined to present organisms; 3) Research to increase knowledge about the no human health, food safety, or environmental concerns.” characteristics, rates, and methods of gene transfer that may This determination came after “thorough review of scientific occur between genetically engineered organisms, and related evidence,” though it does not explain what “evidence” they organisms; 4) Perform assessments to provide analysis which considered, and once again puts corporate interests ahead of consumer safety, health, and international demands. Imme- diately following the news that the illegal contamination had occurred, both Japan and the European Union (EU) blocked imports of the rice, sending rice futures plummeting by by Meet the GMO Challenge $150 million, mounting international outrage, and causing retailers to pull contaminated products from their shelves. Genetically modified crops Bayer CropScience sill faces numerous lawsuits from farmer are the biggest threat groups around the nation. facing organic producers GE Rice Bans Alter Export Markets The Non-GMO Report The U.S. rice harvest is worth about $1.8 billion dollars provides the information you need annually. With California rice exports worth $200 million to respond to the GMO challenge annually and nearly all of Japan’s rice imports coming from and succeed in the fast-growing California grown rice, the issue of GE rice even being grown non-GMO market. in the state is at the forefront of some major rice producer’s The Non-GMO Report provides agendas. California’s top rice producers have made recent useful resources to help you: pushes for legislation banning GE rice in hopes of keeping • Produce non-GMO crops the doors open for export markets in Japan and the European and products Union. Japan recently announced it would genetically test • Prevent GMO contamination every rice shipment entering the country and shut down all • Connect with buyers U.S. imports if it found any more GE food products therein. • Find non-GMO and organic seed The European Commission’s (EC) Standing Committee on Receive a • Stay up to date on GM food issues the Food Chain recently announced a similar decision fol- lowing extended negotiations between the USDA and the FREE with your subscription: EC that they will impose mandatory testing in all imports of FREE The 2006 Non-GMO Sourcebook, a U.S. long-grain rice entering the EU. Consumers worldwide, sample directory of non-GMO suppliers. some major players in the food industry and international issue trade officials have spoken - GE and GMO food products are Call 1-800-854-0586 simply not good for commerce. or 1-641-472-1491 or visit GMO News continued on page 10 www.non-gmoreport.com
Certified Organic Winter 2007
continued from page 8 gmo news Thailand and Vietnam Join Forces to Protect Export Markets and Reject GMOs International Commodity Traders Go GMO-Free Representatives from Thailand and Vietnam have formed Diapason Commodities Management recently an- an agreement to collaborate on rice import and export mar- nounced its agricultural commodity-based index, which kets, sharing information about global trading and price is now exclusively GMO-free. The Diapason Commodities monitoring on a daily basis. The two countries together ac- Agriculture Non-GMO Index includes futures contracts with count for more than half of all rice traded throughout the companies in both Tokyo and the European Union, address- world market today. Within this new agreement, the two ing commodity traders’ international concerns about the countries also agreed to cooperate on preventing the use of regulation of GMO food products, like import bans, and GMO rice. consumer rejection of such foods. Mexico Bans GE Maize – for Now On October 16th, Mexico’s National Service for Agro- Food Safety and Quality, for the third time since 2005, refused all seven requests from agribusiness giants Monsanto, Dow, and Pioneer to conduct experimental cultivation of GM maize. Mexico did impose a moratorium on the planting of GM crops in 1998, but in 2001, despite the fact that there was no authorization to grow GM maize; traces of GM maize were detected in rural areas around the country. In 2005, Mexico’s President signed a bill that would begin the process for approving such GM plantings in the future. The official ban on GM crops is not final, for others report that pressures from these GM corporations may be more readily accepted under Mexico’s new conservative President, Felipe Calderon, who took office in early December. A key report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2002 stated that GM maize CCOF exchange-4th draft 6/12/05 9:06 PM Page 1 did not demonstrate higher yields compared to traditional varieties, undermining the biotech industries false claims. Farmers in Mexico began to breed corn successfully, without islati vocacy the use of GM technology, approximately 8,000 years ago. eg ve & Ad • E n L Re atory ducatio The country is now home to only 59 species of maize grown ubli gul ness Pro P c R usi mo by approximately 3.1 million farmers. elations • B tion “Booming” GE Ethanol Industry May Seize Conservation Reserve Lands Link up with the Organic Trade Association U.S Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns claims U.S. “farmers” will be able to keep up with increasing WWW.OTA.COM demands for corn production to fuel the expanding ethanol industry, but GE agribusiness giants will really be the ones • Free organic fact sheets to download growing and thus profiting from these new monoculture Statistics and information for the press takeovers. The monoculture plantings will not only lead to • drastically increased fertilizer use, toxic pesticide applica- • Organic legislative and regulatory issues tions, polluted run-off entering our various water supplies, • Special OTA members-only pages and more severe loss of wildlife habitat and diversity, but also to the inevitable seizure of land from struggling farmers • Directory of organic products and services and potentially from the U.S. Conservation Reserve Program. • Link to the All Things Organic™ Secretary Johanns reports that there are four to seven mil- Annual Conference and Trade Show lion acres “idled” in the Conservation Reserve Program that are viable for corn production, and that “new technologies” Organic consumer site with kid’s activities, • (GE) will continue to boost yields, although numerous stud- recipes and organic information ies undermine the claim that GE monoculture plantings are more productive.
CCOF supports organic and sustainable bio-fuel production, and urges you, the grower, consumer and public, to realize the seri- ous implications associated with GE/GMO bio-fuel production.
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Winter 2007 Certified Organic 11 Member Benefits political advocacy “After being asked for years if I accepted credit cards at the farmers market, I finally did after CCOF offered credit card processing as a member benefit through Affiniscape. My sales have increased 15-20%, and part of the processing fee goes back to supporting CCOF. The bottom line is giving people more ways to buy means more sales for the farmer. This pro- Fall 2006 Update gram is another example of why CCOF is the best organic certifier.” Ryan Rich, San Luis Obispo Chapter President COF’s Executive Director Peggy Miars contacted Con- Cgress to advocate for continued funding for the National Members can view this offer by clicking the big green box Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, Appropriate on the CCOF website homepage: www.ccof.org. Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), and the Con- servation Security Program. CCOF also distributed an email blast to thousands of our supporters asking that they contact Going Organic Project Quick Facts Congress in support of these imperative programs. CCOF submitted comments to the Canadian Food In- See p.19 for more information about the Going Organic Project. spection Agency regarding Canada’s Proposed Regulations • 40 New Organic Farmers on Organic Production and advocated for some equivalency • 23 Mentors with the NOP to reduce the logistical efforts and expense • 1,192 Acres caused to CCOF certified producers who sell in both the • 18 Counties United States and Canada. • 19 Seminars and Field Meetings to Date CCOF urged the NOP to publish their proposed rule and • 6 OSP Trainings to Date Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding dairy • Crops: Almonds, Apples, Blueberries, Citrus, Corn, replacements and “access to pasture” for livestock. Cotton, Flowers, Forage, Mixed Market Farms, Olives, Pasture, Peaches, Plums Pomegranates, Raisins, Rice, Walnuts, Wine Grapes
12 Certified Organic Winter 2007
know your ccof
Introducing the CCOF Staff
Welcome to a regular section of Certified Organic created in response to CCOF Certification Services our 2005 membership survey. In past and future issues, this section in- Certification Services Director troduces you to CCOF’s board, regional service representatives, staff and Jake Lewin Ext. 21 [email protected] other aspects of CCOF’s services and governance that are available to you. File Review Team Coordinator We encourage you to keep these pages and use them to maximize your Brooke Lipman Ext. 19 [email protected] voice and avail yourself of CCOF’s services. Grower Certification Supervisor Robin Allan Ext. 23 [email protected] Meet CCOF’s Staff Grower Certification Associates Lorraine Coke Ext. 13 [email protected] Since implementation of the USDA’s National Organic Kristin Dzurella Ext. 14 [email protected] Program in 2002, CCOF’s staff has been divided into two Amber Pool Ext. 30 [email protected] separate entities. CCOF Certification Services provides certi- Grower Certification Service Representative fication services for organic businesses. CCOF, Inc. is a trade Amy Lamendella Ext. 24 [email protected] association providing organic education and advocacy as Handler Certification Supervisor well as promotion of our members, CCOF, and organics in Karen Egerton Ext. 25 [email protected] general. CCOF, Inc. also provides administrative services for Handler Certification Service Representative Becky Blythe Ext. 18 [email protected] CCOF Certification Services. Handler Certification Associates Jody Biergiel Ext. 26 [email protected] Morgan Carr Berry Ext. 20 [email protected] Inspection Operations Director Sean Feder 530-756-8518 x11 [email protected] Inspector Associate The 20th Convening of the Benjamin Lewis 530-756-8518 x24 [email protected] CCOF, Inc. California Trade Association, Education, and Advocacy Executive Director Farm Conference Peggy Miars Ext. 12 [email protected] March 4-6, 2007 • Monterey, CA Director of Sales and Marketing Viella Shipley Ext. 31 [email protected] Keynote Speaker: Accounting Director is Rip Armando Bonifacio Ext. 15 [email protected] Michael Dimock, me e Roots of Change Fund i Program Coordinator T Colleen Bednarz Ext. 27 [email protected] Workshop topics include: e IT/Database Administrator cultural practices, h Amanda Paulson Ext. 22 [email protected] value-added T Office Coordinator processing, Joseph Jakubowski Ext. 10 [email protected] specialty crops, Accounting Assistant Carrie Marino Ext. 29 [email protected] expanding farmers’ markets, biofuels, transitioning to organics, Lend us your strength and commitment! CCOF’s board and committees need your input and involvement. You can help guide the organization business and marketing by participating in the governance and direction of CCOF. Contact us strategies, food safety, at [email protected] or (831) 423-2263 to get involved. and more. To learn more visit www.californiafarmconference.com
Community Outreach & Assistance Partnership
– Scholarships Available –
14 Certified Organic Winter 2007 member highlights
Achievement and Recognition
COF certifiedButte Creek Brewing won the gold medal ogy at the UCSC Farm Cfor their Organic Pilsner at the 25th Great American and Garden, the trio pro- Beer Festival Awards Ceremony held this fall in Denver, motes organic farming Colorado. Brewmaster Larry Berlin, who developed the through their Full Harvest award winning pilsner, submitted their Organic Pilsner in Dinners. Leo is a found- the German-style Pilsner category at the largest national beer ing board member of competition in the United States. The Butte Creek Organic WWOOF (Willing Workers Pilsner was one of three organic beers that placed at the fes- on Organic Farms), and tival, which Berlin feels is an important move toward further was sent to Japan recently legitimizing the organic brewing industry. Congratulations to to visit farms and create Andy Szymanowicz, Laura Neale, and Chico-based Butte Creek Brewing, who plan to continue on networks of farmers and Leo Ryan Goldsmith of Sol Food Farm the good path in support of organic farming and great beer. volunteers. Laura was Check them out at www.buttecreek.com. asked to represent Sonoma County as a farmer at Slow Food’s Terra Madre 2006 in Tu- Sol Food Farm is a CCOF certified 2-acre market garden rin, Italy. and small CSA in Western Sonoma County run by Leo Ryan Goldsmith, who is also a caterer, and Andy Szymanow- We want to celebrate your achievements! Send us your icz and Laura Neale, who work in the restaurant business. news and press releases. Call 831-423-2263 or email Trained as apprentices in sustainable farming and agroecol- [email protected].
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 15 by Colleen Bednarz
Protecting Sustainable Resources Voting Organic with your Dollars and Sense
he issue of global warming has taken center stage lately the breeding success of nearly all of the 20,000 pairs due to the widespread popularity of An Inconve- of Cassin’s auklets who nest there. Researchers have nient Truth, the Al Gore documentary that brings performed annual counts of the Cassin’s auklets hard facts about environmental devastation caused since 1967, and attribute this rapid decline directly t by industrialization to the tip of our nation’s pol- to the recent rise of ocean temperatures from three lution-laden tongue. Armed with perfect timing, to five degrees above average, causing a catastrophic a coalition of nearly 30 states, cities, and environ- domino effect in the marine food chain, and the mental organizations are now challenging the Bush potential to depress our entire global ecosystem. administration’s lack of regard for the environment Global warming is just the tip of the melting ice- in the case of Massachusetts v. EPA in the United berg, though. States Supreme Court. This landmark global warm- Environmentalism is a colossal topic, and even ing case will decide whether or not the Clean Air though there are more environmentalists now than Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency ever before, the majority of us do not always have (EPA) to regulate the pollution causing global time for the full story. When looking into where our warming. Even in the great green state of California, food comes from, it becomes clear that the organic where tailpipe emissions standards were adopted in movement is deeply rooted in environmentalism as lieu of federal standards to reduce fleet-wide global a whole. warming emissions from new vehicles by 30% As scientists around the world predict the future in 2016, we are seeing and suffering from far too of agriculture’s capabilities with global warming in many examples of global warming, be it in the air mind, many important topics are being addressed we breathe, the water we so desperately rely on, the that critically affect the global food supply, and ocean’s rising temperatures, the droughts and heat therefore stability of life on our planet. According waves, or the ever increasing rates of habitat loss and to a report from a Subgroup on Agriculture, For- extinction sweeping the planet. estry, and Other Systems (AFOS), a rise in average The Farallon National Wildlife Refuge off the global temperatures of two to three degrees Celsius coast of San Francisco, famous for housing the larg- over the next century will likely result in climatic est seabird colony in the United States, has in the zones shifting several hundred kilometers toward last two years experienced a devastating decline in the poles and significantly reducing the land avail-
16 Certified Organic Winter 2007 able for agriculture. A rise in sea level of approximately 0.3 The Problem: Industrial Agriculture’s meters will inundate coastal lands and increase salinity, and begin a gradual breakdown of certain ecosystems, thus lead- Aftermath ing to additional CO2 emissions, as well as increased pests, • “DDT is good for me” was a marketing slogan used when weeds, and ultraviolet radiation leading to reduced biomass DDT hit the market in the 1940’s. and photosynthesis, again enhancing the CO2 content of the • By 1949 dairy farmers stopped using DDT because it atmosphere. As Lester Brown, a 10-year policy advisor for the showed up in milk products USDA and founder of the Earth Policy Institute, puts it, “The • Organophosphates are the most widely used pesticides vast corn belt of the Northern Hemisphere, for example, will in the United States, known to be toxic to humans, birds, become hotter and dryer, and that change can’t be resolved and mammals. Combinations of these toxins were used by merely creating new corn belts further north, because the as nerve gas in the German concentration camps, and in soils further north are not the same at all…. Each global in- crease of 1.8 degree Fahrenheit around the world will reduce the creation of Agent Orange. grain yields like rice, wheat, and corn, by at least 10%.” Pol- • The pesticide industry started because excess WWII lination fees also continue to rise dramatically, as heat spells chemicals needed a new market. This move was carried across the nation ruin nectar flows and wipe out honeybee out exclusively by the US government. hives, making it difficult for certain farmers, like California’s • One quarter of all pesticide use occurs in homes and almond farmers, to successfully pollinate their crops. yards. The golden state of California is our nation’s cornuco- • Since 1989, pesticide use has increased 8%, or 60 million pia, and with a $30 billion agriculture industry that relies lbs. in the United States. on climate and water alike, the politics of global warming • 1 million American children ingest unsafe amounts of and environmentalism have only just begun. This past sum- organophosphates from pesticide residue each year. mer, California’s 21-day heat wave created serious economic • 165 pesticides are known to be carcinogenic. hardships, where in Fresno County alone, the beef, dairy, • 300,000 farm workers suffer acute pesticide poisoning and poultry losses totaled $85 million after 20 days in a row of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. In the San Joaquin each year in the United States. valley, thousands of cows dropped dead in the dilapidating • During the last 35 years, global food production has grown heat. The warmer temperatures can alter our food system in 16%, yet 800 million people go hungry every day. a number of ways, from blossoms opening weeks too soon • 1961-2000 America lost an average of 41,333 farms a year. before being pollinated, to the increasing need for irrigation, • 83% of American farm households are below the poverty and reliance on mountain snowpacks that provide 75% of level. • 2% of farms produce 50% of agricultural product sales. As scientists around the world predict • 95% of food is manufactured by corporations. • The United States lost half of all topsoil since 1960, 17 the future of agriculture’s capabilities with global times faster than nature creates it. • 1.3 billion tons of manure from factory farms - chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones included - leach into the water warming in mind, many important topics are being supply each year. • 75% of genetic diversity in agriculture has been lost in the addressed that affect the global food supply… last century. • Mexico lost 80% of maize varieties since 1930. the West’s water. As experts from Stanford University predict • A USDA report from 2000 states there is no overall reduc- the snowpack will likely melt too fast each spring and dimin- tion in pesticide use with GE crops. ish by as much as 90% by the end of the century, scientists • In 1995 over $4 billion in USDA subsidies were given to around the world are working on similar predictions address- “Commodity Subsidies” ing the food supply. • In the USDA Subsidy program, $11 million was given to promote the Pillsbury Doughboy to foreign markets. Eating is Politics • The commercial seed business makes $23 billion/ yr. For now, our nation’s serious agricultural challenges are still flying below the radar of the masses, but another incon- venient truth at hand is industrial agriculture’s big lie, it’s around the globe. brainwashing propaganda, the corporate takeover of small In 1987, the United States signed the Montreal Protocol, family farmers and their lands, the relentless environmen- vowing to end the use of methyl bromide, a harmful pesti- tal devastation and toxic pollution aftermath, the resulting cide, by 2005. America has since failed to meet that deadline, increases of cancer, asthma, allergies, and neurological im- and as international tension still mounts 14 years after the pairments and the widespread loss of habitat and species Sustainable Resources continued on next page
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 17 Sustainable Resources continued treaty, the U.S. government bla- tantly disregards international effort to protect the ozone when requesting approval to produce 7,071 tons of methyl bromide in 2008, an amount greater than all the other nations’ amounts combined. In November, the EPA went farther down the path of irreversible damage when de- claring that toxic pesticides can be sprayed over and into water- ways without first obtaining a permit. Within the last year, lower than more than 9,000 EPA scientists and employees protested conven- their own administration for pressuring them into rushed tional corn studies and cutting corners within their pesticide reports, production, and many top scientists have since resigned, making public with organic statements about the corruption of the very agency that was soybean pro- established to protect the environment. They demanded that duction energy toxic chemicals not be approved unless the EPA can prove use being 17% with scientific evidence that certain pesticides will not harm lower than neurological development in humans, but the EPA is unable conventional. If only 10% of all U.S. corn were grown or- to do that. ganically, we would save 4.6 million barrels, or 200 million It is clear we cannot always rely on government to make gallons, of oil each year. the best decisions about our health, our food, and our future. The way we feed livestock in the United States signifi- The only easy solution that seems to work is for consumers cantly contributes to energy loss because it takes 45 million to educate themselves about the facts of food production and tons of plant protein annually to produce 7.5 million tons of vote for the future of farming and vitality of our environment animal protein in the form of meat, milk, and eggs. Organic with their dollars and sense, shifting the market toward or- methods prove better again when beef cows feed on organic ganic foods and sustainable products. In the words of Alice pasture, a method which requires only half as much energy Walker, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. There is no as grain-fed beef production. Also, when compared to con- one else coming.” ventional, two organic milk production systems in Sweden and Denmark showed that 29% and 35% less fossil energy per unit of milk, respectively, could be achieved, a significant The Solutions improvement. Supporting Organic Farming and Sustainable Living Organic farming, sustainable living, and conscious Reducing Toxic Pesticide Pollution consumerism is a grassroots effort creating major shifts in This one is simple, organic agriculture does not use economics and the start of what is materializing into a suc- toxic chemical pesticides, period. When you make organic cessful revolution backed by informed choices, environmental purchases, you are an instrumental warrior in the fight for solutions, and commerce. Individuals who do not vote con- a more sustainable, less toxic world. By purchasing organic sciously with their dollars and sense continue to support products in California alone, you will help reduce Califor- industrial agriculture as well as its effects. The solution is to nia’s pesticide use increase of 40% per year, or an increase of vote for certified organic, for as stated in the National Organic 7.2 million pounds of pesticides each year. Voting organic Program rule, a certified organic operation “must maintain or with your dollars also seriously decreases the amount of raw improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil, sewage sludge that is applied to crop fields and cuts down water, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.” the risks of foodborne diseases like E.coli. Studies have shown that organic food is more nutrient rich and beneficial Decreasing Excessive Energy Consumption than non-organic food, and eating organically could greatly As listed in the 2006 Organic Center Report: Impacts of reduce your risks of cancers, neurological disorders, and Organic Farming on the Efficiency of Energy Use in Agricul- other serious health problems. A study from the University ture, the U.S. food system uses approximately 19% of the of Washington in Seattle concludes that children consuming total fossil energy burned annually, while organic farming an almost exclusive organic diet immediately eliminate expo- systems reduce fossil energy inputs by one-third due to the sures to dangerous pesticides known to disrupt neurological absence of toxic chemical pesticides and nitrogen fertilizer development. By supporting organic farming practices, con- applications. One of the main conclusions of the study is sumers are directly funding and advancing a revolution of that fossil energy use in organic corn production was 31% solutions, the end to toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers
18 Certified Organic Winter 2007 in our environment, and the beginning of healing the planet pesticides, sediments, and nutrient runoff in the Sacramento and ourselves. and San Joaquin River Basins. As Fred Thomas, the Going Or- ganic Project Coordinator, states, “The Going Organic project Increasing Biodiversity received significant funding from the California State Water The National Organic Program requires that organic Resources Control Board in 2005 because the SWRCB recog- producers promote ecological balance and conserve biodi- nized organic farm practices as beneficial for water quality versity. CCOF is considering incorporating new biodiversity in Basin Plan Management Measure 3.” The Going Organic measures into the organic certification inspection process, project is underway, transferring technology and information which would greatly benefit farmers and the environ- via seminars and mentor farmer-trainee relationships, and ment, starting with cost reductions for insect, rodent, and monitoring three organic drainage study sites for water qual- weed control by farming in harmony with nature’s natural ity improvements. predators and increasing habitat for beneficial insects and Numerous other research and funding opportunities are mammals to thrive in. Biodiversity farming measures will underway through organizations such as the Organic Farming also improve water quality by implementing vegetative filter- Research Foundation (OFRF), ATTRA, The Rodale Institute, ing methods to decrease the amount of harmful sediments the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program in the water, naturally. According to a Wild Farm Alliance (SARE), and the Organic Center, to name a few. As the re- proposal, promoting biodiversity on the farm will also lead search and conclusive evidence begins to mount on the side to more efficient pollination by creating habitat for native of organic agriculture and sustainable living, the worth of this pollinators, natural enemy insects, and predatory birds and progressive movement will have numerous opportunities to bats, as wild pollinators are now valued at an estimated $4-7 make its case, being armed not only with perfect timing, but billion annually in the United States alone. And, as the Wild with the voices of informed consumers worldwide. Farm Alliance report states, “When riparian vegetation and wetlands are safeguarded and restored, they can help to filter To Non-Progressive Environmental, Agricultural, and runoff and recharge dwindling groundwater supplies, which Food Policy can equate to the alleviation of water quality fines and a re- There are many ways to change the world. By staying in- duction of pumping taxes, and to abundant clean water for formed and in the loop about environmental, agricultural, future agriculture and community uses.” and food politics, and by becoming involved in organizations like COCF and the Center for Food Safety, you can ensure your voice is heard at a legislative level near you, be it locally, If only 10% of all U.S. corn were grown federally, or internationally. The organic community was suc- cessful in keeping “the big three” out of organic standards in organically, we would save 4.6 million barrels, 1997, with the largest public outcry to the USDA (280,000 voices) ever recorded in history, and in 2006 the environ- or 200 million gallons, of oil each year. mental and food community defeated California Senate Bill 1056 (aka the Monsanto Bill), which died in committee without a vote, due to the relentless opposition from a com- Protecting Waterways from Conventional Agriculture munity intolerant of GE and GMO crops. We will eventually It’s obvious that decreasing and eventually eliminat- be successful in shaping and molding a more progressive ing toxic chemical pesticide and fertilizer use in agriculture world and a more sustainable future for ourselves and our will lessen the amount of harmful toxins, sediments, and families, but we’ve got a long road ahead. nutrients in our waterways, but what is actually being done Above all else, the most immediate possibility for progres- about it? The State of Washington is now funding farmers in sive change can only be achieved through economics. Vote for the Skokomish watershed to transition to organic farming change, for organic agriculture, for less toxic water, for biodi- practices in hopes of improving water quality through the versity, for your health and mine, for the end of GE and GMO reduction of harmful nutrients entering the watershed. The crops, for decreasing energy consumption and global warming Skokomish watershed supports large runs of salmon as well gasses; vote for it all with your conscious dollars and sense. as the state’s oyster industry, and the goal is to prove that fish die-offs in recent years can be directly attributed to high lev- Colleen Bednarz is a writer devoted to environmental issues els of dissolved oxygen and nitrates that leach into the water and Program Coordinator for CCOF, Inc. from nearby conventional farms. Sources And within our own CCOF family, we have the CCOF Fatal Harvest, The Center for Food Safety, Andrew Kimbrell, 2002 Foundation’s Going Organic project being funded by the The Organic Center: Impacts of Organic Farming on the Efficiency of Energy California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Use in Agriculture, 2006 What was launched as a pilot project funded by the Heller EWG Farm Subsidy Database; Foundation and CCOF, Inc. in 2003, has now grown into a Warmer Waters Disrupt Pacific Food Chain, July 22, 2006, The Associated Press groundbreaking effort to convert 40 farmers to organic pro- Global Warming Could Slam Food Supply, August 5, 2006, ABC News duction within three years. The goal of the project is to prove Group Challenges EPA’s “Industry Friendly” Pesticides Rule, Baltimore that implementing organic farming practices will mitigate Chronicle, June 2, 2006
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 19
Certification News Updates, information, and tips for CCOF clients and members. Winter 2007
Welcome Welcome to Certification News, a permanent section of Certified Organic — the CCOF magazine that provides important standards and certification updates in one easy to find location. New Harvey Lawsuit Dismissed
Certification Developments & Improvements The United States District Court in the District of hese have been exciting times in CCOF Certi- benefit to show you and the world specific details about Maine dismissed a legal Tfication Services. Not only have CCOF certifi- your certified organic program. The improved version action filed by Mr. Arthur cation operations grown considerably with 175 new will be easier to read and will show your NOP and Harvey in which he al- operations and more than 100 new certified products international com- leged that the Secretary of Agriculture failed to meet in the last year, but we’ve also been improving our sys- pliance information the requirements of the tems and documents to better serve you. Here’s what (where applicable). Order of the District Court. you’ll be seeing in the coming months. You will now see In the filing, Mr. Har- your parcels, crops, vey objected to the New Global Market Access Program and/or products, Secretary’s interpretation Certificate and brands will of the requirements of To improve CCOF’s be able to use it the amendments to the Global Market Access to demonstrate Organic Foods Produc- tion Act (OFPA) that were program we have revised organic status to passed by the Congress of our international certifi- buyers and oth- the United States in late cate. The new certificate ers who want to 2005. Mr. Harvey’s motion now shows all interna- know more about sought an order from tional standards your your operation. the Court on the issues of synthetic processing operation meets. It also aids and “food contact eliminates long listings Online Client substances.” of specific products in Access. Read the National Organic favor of them appear- In the coming months, CCOF will be testing and Program announcement, ing on our new client introducing a unique service that will allow clients to Q&A, and the court ruling profile (see below). log in to our system to view certification information at the National Organic Now, each CCOF and Global Market Access program maintained by CCOF. This will allow clients to track Program website: www. certificate will be a single page and specific informa- the renewal process, specific certification information ams.usda.gov/nop. tion for both programs will appear on a single im- such as products and parcels, the status of compliance proved client profile. letters and inspections in addition to printing copies of important documents. We hope to launch the system
Improved CCOF Client Profile for clients in the coming months and will continue to CCOF This important document is produced as a client improve it as we receive input from clients. 1115 Mission Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831 423-2263 fax 831 423-4528 [email protected] www.ccof.org
Winter 2007 Certification News 21 Expedited Certification Program New Labeling Rules for Quebec Market o respond to client and market needs, of expedited services for additional costs. Under Affect CCOF TCCOF has developed a program to rush cer- the Expedited Certification Program, operations Certified Produce tification in special cases. To ensure cost effective with compressed timelines or special needs will be Operations service for all operations, able to receive additional CCOF encourages exist- attention and quicker All individual produce must ing operations to submit To meet the needs of all clients, turnaround times with- identify the operator and certification requests out affecting the qual- CCOF such as new facilities, cer- CCOF now offers the option ity of service received by Under organic standards in tifications, and additional of expedited services other CCOF operations. Quebec, all produce and other acreages with plenty of Expedited Certifica- organic products must, when- ever possible, be labeled with time for them to undergo review and inspection. tion Program enrollment cannot guarantee cer- both the operator’s name and However, CCOF increasingly receives requests tification since certification is based strictly on the name of the certifier. In to provide “immediate” certification to new op- the compliance of the operation and inspection recent months the CAAQ (Con- erations or additional acreage and/or production findings. Instead, the program ensures that ev- seil des Appellations Agroali- facilities. This has put tremendous strain on the ery effort will be made to process certifications mentaires du Québec) has issued several non-compliance organization to ensure that the both the needs of quickly. These efforts include inspection report notices to CCOF operations clients with time-sensitive situations and ongoing submission and review within 48 and 72 hours, and informed CCOF of impend- certification are balanced equitably. respectively, in addition to courier service for pa- ing fines that operators may As always, CCOF provides our best pos- perwork and email receipt of all certificates, etc. face in 2007 if their produce is sible service to all clients. To ensure fairness and For more information about the program, or to found out of compliance with consistency, requests, new applications, and ad- enroll, please see the Expedited Service Program these requirements. ditional products or acreage are processed in the sign-up form on the facing page. Additional Please note that individual order they are received. However, to meet the copies can be downloaded from www.ccof.org/ produce items such as lemons, cucumbers and heads of needs of all clients, CCOF now offers the option forms.php. lettuce must meet CAAQ stan- dards. Standard twist ties, Price Labeling Unit (PLU) stickers, etc. are not sufficient unless they 1)include your name and 2)identify CCOF as the certifier. CCOF recognizes that this is outside common practices in the marketplace and U.S. CCOF organic standards. We are tak- ing action to address the issue but do not expect a change in the requirements in the near The Organic Directory is Coming! future. If your organic products 2007 are ever shipped to Quebec, Become a CCOF supporting member to receive your copy. please review the Quebec Organic Produce Labeling flyer The CCOF annual Organic Directory is widely distributed and reaches an influential group of organic farmers, and exemption request under processors, retailers, wholesalers, policy makers, media representatives, and consumers. This includes more than “Updates/Resources” in 1100 certified organic growers, more than 400 certified organic processor/handlers, and CCOF supporting the certification area of businesses and individual members. In addition, the Organic Directory is a popular resource distributed www.ccof.org. nationwide and abroad at natural and organic tradeshows and conferences. CCOF strongly recommends enrollment in the CCOF Global Reserve Your Ad Space and Update Your Information Today! Market Access Program for all Space reservations and ads are due by November 10, 2007 for the 2008 Directory. clients who directly or indirect- ly export organic products to foreign markets. This program Download the directory media kit at ccof.org/advertise.php If you have further questions regarding ad sizes, rates or specs, please contact marketing will help ensure screening for at (831) 423-2263, ext. 31 or by email at [email protected]. applicable foreign standards and requirements. 1115 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3526 • (831) 423-2263 • fax (831) 423-4528 • [email protected] • www.ccof.org
22 Certification News Winter 2007 Expedited CertificationCCOF Program CCOF rush service: when you need organic certification fast
CCOF is dedicated to providing efficient, professional, cost-effective service. All applications and special requests are processed in the order received. Due to the importance and complexity of the application review, inspection, and compliance review process, CCOF recommends that certification applications are submitted 12 weeks prior to organic harvest, projected sales or other deadlines. For special situations with short certification time frames, CCOF provides expedited services to meet your needs. To enroll sign up below and fax the completed form to CCOF at (831) 423-4528
Who is this program for? How much does expedited service cost? • Operations that are capable of compliance but have not allowed • $750 for new certifications or additional facilities added to existing sufficient time to undergo the certification process. Examples certifications. include operations with impending harvests, market releases, or • $400 for new acreage at existing operations. product launch deadlines. • Inspection and annual certification costs still apply. While CCOF • Operations who wish to finish the certification process as soon makes every effort to minimize inspection costs, expedited services as possible. may incur higher costs.
What will CCOF provide? What is expected of the client? • Your application receives top priority processing. Any letters • A complete application describing your organic practices is resulting from your application will be emailed and/or faxed to you fundamental to organic certification and will be critical for CCOF immediately. All mailing and document transmission throughout the staff to successfully expedite the process. process will be performed using scanned electronic means, faxes or • Timely responses to information requests during the application delivery services such as FedEx. and inspection review processes. • CCOF will begin securing an inspector immediately. Once your • Payment of expedited service fees and payment of subsequent application is reviewed and accepted, your inspection will occur certification costs. as soon as possible based upon inspector availability and your schedule. Can certification be guaranteed by a certain date? • The inspection report will be submitted to CCOF within 48 hours • No, certification is dependent upon compliance on-site, quality of of inspection. your application, and the inspector’s findings. CCOF will pull out all • CCOF will review the inspection report and address any outstanding the stops in the process, but many factors affect the final certification issues within 72 hours. decision. • All responses from you will be applied to the certification process What if I don’t enroll? immediately. • CCOF will process your application as quickly as possible and • Your certificate will be provided both electronically and through provide you our best available service. Every effort will continue expedited shipping. to be made to ensure the process continues efficiently.
I have read and understand the terms of CCOF’s Expedited Certification Program. Please enroll my operation and begin expedited services immediately.
______Company Name
______Name Signature Date
Start the Organic Certification Process Today! call (831) 423-2263 • fax (831) 423-4528 • e-mail [email protected] • visit www.ccof.org
1115 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3526 • (831) 423-2263 • fax (831) 423-4528 • [email protected] • www.ccof.org
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 23 movie reviews
A Silent Forest
A Silent Forest: The Growing Threat of GE Trees, Produced by Three Americas, Inc. and Raindancer Environmental Media, Directed and Edited by Ed Schehl
Narrated by Dr. David Suzuki, former director of the larg- est genetic research lab in Canada and award winning host of The Nature of Things, the film brings to light the serious dangers of open-air plantations of these untested, unsafe, manmade trees. Dr. Suzuki also confronts the uneducated and uninformed rush to commercialize the unproven prod- ucts of biotechnology, spreading the truth about how the application of this dangerous technology will forever alter the natural world as we know it. The issue of GE crops, trees, and pharmaceuticals is one of the most serious and detrimental topics we face today, and it is time to take a closer look at A Silent Forest in order to un- derstand what could easily happen to the natural life of our planet if we don’t act now, act often, and spread the truth.
web corner Resources On-line
Visit Scorecard.org to track pol- lution in your state, county, city, and local community. Scorecard.org is packed with critical information, list- ing the top polluters in the United States, who releases the most cancer- causing pollutants, which chemicals pose the greatest risk to the ozone and much, much more. You can even search companies by name to research those of concern to you and your family. The Center for Food Safety became the nation’s leading food activism site by campaigning and spreading awareness about the harmful effects of GE/GMO foods, food irradia- tion, and the manufacturing of cloned animals for dinner plates worldwide. They are instrumental in supporting crucial campaigns like the current Labeling and Safety Testing of GE Foods Campaign, or HR 5269 and HR 5268. Join their on- line network to stay informed and get involved in the politics of food. www.centerforfoodsafety.com
24 Certified Organic Winter 2007 ® KILLS SLUGGO SLUGS AND SNAILS
Available in Now 25 LB and 50 LB Bags
● Available at your local Ag Chem Retailer ● Refer to label for specific use directions
SLUGGO® is a registered trademark of W. Neudorff GmbH KG · www.neudorff.com
CCOF Magazine 7,25 x 10 inch · 1c · PDF G OODFORYOURCROPS , YOURBUSINESS
AND Mother Nature . E
As a farmer, you probably understand the wine grape crop)– that’s all it takes to fertilize benefits of compost for your soil. But did your crops and have healthier soil every year. you know that you actually pay LESS We’ll also mix custom blends of compost, for our Agrow-Blend compost than for lime, gypsum and rock phosphate to your common chemical fertilizers? And the crop’s exact requirements, saving you time benefits are long-lasting – for and money. Just one pass over the the soil, the environment, and field and you’re done! Call today for your bottom line. and make your Mother proud: Just figure about $100 per year per acre (based on the average (707)485-5966 Good from the ground up.
Napa County FB GA Quarterly N. Coast Grape Grower’s Vineyard Quarterly 1/2 page ad: 7.5 x 4-7/8” “Mother”
26 Certified Organic Winter 2007
classifieds/calendar
Classifieds
For Sale - New Industrial 48-inch Ergonica Weed Twister For Sale - Almond Hulling Equipment. Fadie Huller, 100 cubic yard available online at www.ergonica.com. This unique, patented tool portable metal storage, various elevators, 3 air-legs, sorting table, pit, features a precise 2-inch diameter double-coil that works great on de-sticker. $2,500 or best offer. Email [email protected] or call 530- farm weeds affecting strawberries and vegetables. Use it like a hoe 756-5086 weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm, or evenings/weekends for smaller weeds or a puller for larger weeds. Safe for workers and 707-678-2371; please ask for Paul. for crops! For Sale - Plant nursery business, excellent opportunity! One acre For Sale - New and Pre-owned Sizers and Graders, complete production facility, certified organic history. 3,500 sq ft greenhouse, packlines, cup graders and Highspeed Aweta / Greefa and more. new office, storage. Established delivery routes and markets. Leased Contact [email protected] or visit www.tradeandservice. grounds. Inland Mendocino County, easy access to Hwy 128 near com. Boonville. 707-895-2699.
For Sale – 40 ft. Cooler Unit - works perfectly, back and side doors For Sale - 18 Acre Certified Organic Farm, Fallbrook/Rainbow. for loading. Has been used on a farm, runs on diesel, tires still good Blueberries, blackberries, guava, cherimoyas, etc., home site has enough for a move. Has a thermo king unit. Fully water and air tight, ocean views, large barn with living quarters, all utilities. Splittable. good floor, includes stairs. In Watsonville, CA. Vanessa 831-728-4540 $999,000. www.DiscoverTemecula.net 951-694-9209.
For Sale - Tractor Seat Belts. Offering a huge selection of For Sale – Land. Third year “in transition to organic” walnuts: On 71 tractor seat belts including 2 point (lap only) non-retractable or acres (60 +/- planted) in Glenn County, California. Class-1 alluvial fan retractable seat belts, and microswitch seat belts that will not let soils next to the Sacramento River. Offered at $720,000 cash. For more the equipment startup until the operator has buckled up. We also details call Robin at 530-701-4010. carry fuel cells and trailer accessories including tie downs, rope ties, d-rings, tire bonnets, axle straps and more. Purchase online http:// Wanted - Cheap, organic, bulk wine to distill into spirits, at least wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/tractor-seat-belt.html. 2000-2500 gallons at 11% alcohol or higher, preferably from the San Joachin Valley but other locations will do, any varietal is fine but we need wine from 2004-2006. Please email [email protected] or call 510-595-3330.
Services Offered - Work Training Center, Chico. Two woodshops, one sewing facility, crafts boxes, crates, display systems, garments and other innovative ideas - sustainable materials emphasized. You produce a natural product - use materials to display, ship, and sell what you grow! Contact Joe 530-624-4346 or email [email protected].
Apprenticeship – Peaceful Glen Organics is looking for an apprentice greenhouse worker for the spring 2007 season near Covelo. Private room, shared bath and small stipend. For details, see classified at www.ccof.org. If interested, email [email protected] or check www.peacefulglen.com.
Employment – Organic farmers, Blondie’s Farm outside of Fairfield. 96 irrigated acres with plan to expand orchard, olive trees, and grapes. Housing may be included in your relationship with Blondie’s Farm. Send resume including your agricultural education and experience to [email protected] or mail to Ken Sarachan at 2401 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704.
Employment - Assistant Farm Manager for the 2007 growing season. Ideal position for someone with previous farming experience looking to take on more of a management role. Salary is commensurate with experience. Submit a letter of interest to [email protected] or mail to: Gideon Porth/Atlas Farm 8 Pine Street South Deerfield, MA 01373.
Dairy Energy Efficiency Program for PG&E Customers to dairy farmers and dairy products manufacturers in PG&E territory who stand to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and reduce on-farm electrical usage through the new Dairy Energy Efficiency Program
28 Certified Organic Winter 2007 (DEEP), operated by EnSave for Pacific Gas & Electric Company haul. Call for directions: 209-938-0900, 8-5 pm Mon-Fri. (PG&E). For program information or an application, call 1-800-732- 1399 or visit www.ensave.com. CCOF Classifieds are listed as provided by advertisers. CCOF does not guarantee accuracy. Visit www.ccof.org/classifieds.php to Free – Organic Rice Fiber makes an excellent animal feed. Stockton submit an ad, view employment ads and see other classified ads. manufacturing facility has rice fiber available 1-2 times per week. You Calendar Visit www.ccof.org/calander.php for links and a complete February 19, 2007 – Office Closed for President’s Day listing of events. March 8 – 11, 2007 January 21-23, 2007 Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, CA Fancy Food Conference, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Natural Products Expo West Join the specialty food industry to sample and view the latest — combines thousands of products, informative educators and endless new products to hit the market. Visit CCOF in Booth # 759. — networking opportunities all in one. Visit CCOF in Booth # 2354. — www.specialtyfood.com. www.expowest.com.
January 24-27, 2007 March 15 – 17, 2007 Eco-Farm 2007, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA National Organic Dairy Conference, Fortuna, CA “Eco-Farm” features prominent keynote speakers and more than 50 Hosted by Humboldt Creamery, this national event will bring together workshops on sustainable agriculture, including technical, marketing, many of those involved in the organic dairy industry to collaborate — research, and policy issues. Visit CCOF in the Exhibitor Tent. http://eco- on ideas and plan for the future. For information contact — farm.org/efc/aboutefc.html. [email protected] or [email protected].
January 29-31, 2007 March 27 - 29, 2007 California League of Food Processors Conference, Sacramento, CA National Organic Standards Board Meeting, Washington, DC More than a thousand Food Industry professionals will meet to discuss This will be a regular NOSB meeting with public comment and a issues, develop business opportunities, and look at new technologies regular agenda. www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/ for productivity, safety, energy management, environmental controls and more. Come hear CCOF speakers present on important organic topics. The event is being held at the Sacramento Convention Center. www.clfp.com.
CCOF Foundation Going Organic Meetings January 30, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Placerville, CA— February 20, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Chico, CA— February 2, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Lakeport, CA— February 21, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Merced, CA— February 22, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Santa Rosa, CA— February 23, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Lakeport, CA February 27, 2007 - Going Organic Meeting: OSP 101, Fresno, CA— www.ccof.org/goingorganic.php
February 6 -7, 2007 National Organic Standards Board Meeting, Washington, DC This will be a ‘public working session’ focusing mainly on § 205.606 issues. There will not be a chance for public comment at this meeting but it will be open to the public. www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/
February 13-15, 2007 World Ag Expo, Tulare, CA Each year, the World Ag Expo is the largest agricultural event on the globe. Visit CCOF in Booth # 3024. www.worldagexpo.com.
February 16-17, 2007 CCOF Annual Meeting, Madera, CA The 2007 CCOF Annual Meeting, hosted by the Fresno-Tulare Chapter, will be held at the Madera Municipal Golf Course for CCOF members and clients. The event will feature a bus tour of local farms on Friday, and educational speakers, reception and dinner on Saturday. www. ccof.org/annualmeeting.php.
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 29 new members
New Certified Clients
The following businesses have recently acheived CCOF organic certification COAST PRODUCE COMPANY, INC. DE LA ROSA ORGANIC FARM under the USDA National Organic Program. Los Angeles, CA— Hollister, CA— 213-955-4900— 831-637-8895— Certified: Apples, Apricots, Arugula, Certified: Mixed Vegetables A AND P GROWERS AROMAS BERRY FARMS Avocados, Bananas, Basil, Beets, Tulare, CA— Oxnard, CA— Blueberries, Bok Choy, Broccoli, DIVERSIFIED FOOD NETWORK, LLC 559-683-3663— 805-207-9067— Cabbage, Carrots, Carrots (Mini Spreckles, CA— [email protected]— Certified: Blackberries, Cover Crop, Peeled), Cauliflower, Celery, Celery 831-455-2201— Certified: Nut Packing, Nut Fallow, Raspberries, Strawberries Hearts, Chard, Cherry, Cucumber, [email protected]— Roasting, Pistachios Certified: Raisins AZTLAN COLD STORAGE, INC Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger Root, ADM RICE, INC. Los Angeles, CA— Grapefruit, Grapes, Greens, Herbs, DOTY BRICK DRIER, LLC. Arbuckle, CA— 323-269-7880— Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lemons, Lettuces, Gridley, CA— 530-476-2662— [email protected]— Mango, Melons, Mushrooms, 530-682-9918— [email protected]— Certified: Storage Nectarines, Onions, Oranges, Certified: Rice Drying, Rice Storage www.admworld.com— Parsnips, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, B & R FARMS EAKLE FARMS Certified: Milling, Packaging Pineapple, Plums, Potatoes, Hollister, CA— Rutabaga, Salad Mix, Spinach, Kelseyville, CA— AGRICOLA BAJA S.A. de C.V. 831-637-9168— Sprouts, Squash, Strawberries, 707-272-2116— Valle de Vizcaino, BS— [email protected]— Tomatoes, Yams Certified: Walnuts 011-52-615-156-4330— Certified: Peppers EARTH & VINE PROVISIONS, INC. [email protected]— COLLENBERG DAIRY BARBOUR VINEYARDS/ MONDAVI Loomis , CA— Certified: Cucumbers, Pole Beans, Arcata, CA— St. Helena, CA— 916-434-8399— Roma Tomatoes 707-822-5907— 707-974-1412— [email protected]— [email protected]— AGROINDUSTRIAS COSALA S.A. [email protected]— Certified: Hay and Pasture, Pasture Certified: Jam de C.V. Certified: Grapes (Wine) EARTHBOUND FARM’S FARM Mazatlan, SI— COLORFUL HARVEST, LLC BEDNAR VINEYARD STAND/THE ORGANIC KITCHEN 011-52-669-915-6002— Monterey, CA— Redwood Valley, CA— Carmel Valley, CA— [email protected]— 831-646-2100— 707-485-7343— 831-623-7880— Certified: Cover Crop, Cucumbers, [email protected]— [email protected]— [email protected]— Eggplant, Squash (Summer), www.colorfulharvest.com— Certified: Grapes (Carignane), www.ebfarm.com— Tomatoes (Greenhouse), Transplants Certified: Strawberries Grapes (Syrah) Certified: Appetizers, Artichokes, ALEX KOSHMAN REVOCABLE DAIRYMEN’S FEED & SUPPLY CO- Asparagus, Beets, Bell Peppers, BERETTA DAIRY TRUST OP Blackberries (Marion), Chard, Santa Rosa, CA— Trowbridge, CA— Petaluma, CA— Chervil, Cilantro, Collards, 707-588-8614— 530-656-1070— 707-763-1585— Cucumber, Desserts, Dill, Entrees, Certified: Pasture, Pasture & Certified: Rice [email protected]— Fennel Seed, Flowers, Fruits, Kale, Rangeland, Ryegrass Certified: Animal Feeds, Broker Kohlrabi, Leeks, Microgreens, ALLEN A EHRKE BOLDRINI DAIRY (HCA) Parsley, Radicchio, Radishes, Retail, Arbuckle, CA— DAMIANO VINEYARDS Ferndale, CA— Rosemary, Shallots, Smoothes, 530-476-2888— Ukiah, CA— 707-786-4507— Sorrel, Soup, Squash, Tarragon, Certified: Grapes (Chardonnay), 707-621-3024— Certified: Dairy Cows, Pasture, Milk Vegetables Grapes (Zinfandel) [email protected]— (Raw) Certified: Grapes (Merlot) ENVIRONMENTAL SEED AMISH NATURALS, INC. CACHE CREEK NURSERY AND PRODUCERS (JOHN BODGER & Holmesville, OH— DAN-D FOODS LTD FARM SONS) 330-674-0998— Richmond, BC— Rumsey, CA— Lompoc, CA— [email protected]— 604-274-3263— 530-796-2511— 805-735-8888— Certified: Pasta Certified: Almonds, Apricots, www.cachecreeknursery.com— Barley, Buckwheat, Bulgur Wheat, [email protected]— APPLE FLATS FARM Certified: Oranges, Ornamental Couscous, Dried Fruits, Flax Seed, www.espseeds.com— Chowchilla, CA— Plants, Vegetable Transplants Flour (Unbleached White), Kamut Certified: Seed 559-665-1770— Flour, Lentils, Millet, Muesli, Oats, CALIFORNIA FRESH FARMS, LLC. FARM PAK/ BARNES FARMING [email protected]— Prunes, Quinoa, Raisins, Rice Salinas, CA— CORP. Certified: Apples (Basmati), Rice (Jasmine), Rice 831-796-2373— Spring Hope, NC— (Long Grain), Rice (Short Grain), [email protected]— 252-459-3101— ARLO BECKER Rice Flour (Brown), Sesame Seed, Certified: Sweet Potatoes [email protected]— Butte City, CA— Soybeans, Spelt, Spelt Flour, Split 530-982-2220— www.farmpak.com— Peas, Sunflower Seed, Whole Certified: Sweet Potatoes Certified: Corn (Dry) Wheat, Rice (Wild), Whole Wheat Malt continued on page 32
30 Certified Organic Winter 2007 “A Healthy Way to Grow”
Salinas • Five Points Holtville
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 31 new members continued from page 30
FIFIBEAR’S BRASSERIE, LLC. HURLBERT FARMS LONE STOP RANCH MORITA’S BACKYARD Santa Barbara, CA— Paso Robles, CA— Orland, CA— Sebastopol, CA— 805-637-5234— 805-238-3233— 530-865-0185— 707-823-4839— [email protected]— Certified: Walnuts Certified: Almonds [email protected]— Certified: Baby Food Certified: Apples, Asian Pears, INN FOODS, INC LOSA DAIRY (HCA) Flowers, Lemons, Persimmons FOOD REMEMBERS INC. dba Watsonville, CA— Ferndale, CA— AMERICAN FLATBREAD 831-724-2026— 707-725-5852— NEAL MCGEOGHEGAN FARMS Los Alamos, CA— [email protected]— Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), Willows, CA— 805-344-4400— Certified: Broker, Vegetables Pasture 711 (TTY op) 530-934-5869— [email protected]— (Frozen) [email protected]— www.foodremembers.com— LUCCHETTI RANCH Certified: Rice Certified: Pizza, Salsa, Sauce J & A FARMS Witter Springs, CA— Winton, CA— 707-275-9146— NEVADA COUNTY WINE GUILD, FOXRIDGE NURSERY 209-489-0375— [email protected]— INC. Los Banos, CA— Certified: Almonds Certified: Walnuts Nevada City, CA— 360-510-9496— 530-265-3662— Certified: Fallow, Forsythia, JACK A CHAVIRA LUCKY NICKEL RANCH, INC. Certified: Wine Pomegranates Davis, CA— Eloy, AZ— 530-759-9988— 520-466-1420— NEWARK NUT COMPANY GENESA ORGANICS [email protected]— [email protected]— Linden, NJ— Alamo, CA— Certified: Fallow Certified: Pasture, Vegetables 908-523-0333— 925-389-7052— [email protected]— [email protected]— JEREMIAH HARPER M & N MIRANDA DAIRY (HCA) www.nutsonline.com— Certified: Apples Wheatland, CA— Fortuna, CA— Certified: Dried Fruits, Nuts 530-682-9474— 707-725-9092— GNECH FARM Certified: Rice [email protected]— NICHOLSON DAIRY (HCA) Macdoel, CA— Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), Arcata, CA— 530-398-4615— JOHN SCOTT THUNEN Pasture 707-822-0140— [email protected]— Yuba City, CA— Certified: Dairy Cows, Hay and Certified: Alfalfa 530-682-5269— MANN PACKING Pasture, Milk (Raw), Pasture [email protected]— Salinas, CA— GOOD SIP COFFEE CO. Certified: Walnuts 831-422-7405— NOBLE RANCH Lincoln, NE— [email protected]— Bonanza , OR— 402-488-2448— JOSE L. HOMEM DAIRY / JOSE & www.mannpacking.com— 541-545-6903— [email protected]— GLORIA HOMEM (HCA) Certified: Vegetables (Mixed, Fresh [email protected]— www.goodsip.com— Arcata, CA— Cut, & Ready to Eat) Certified: Alfalfa Certified: Coffee 707-822-2747— [email protected]— MARK ENOS OAKRIDGE RANCH dba BRANDT GREEN SPROUT FARM Certified: Hay and Pasture Artois, CA— FAMILY TRUST Lakeport, CA— 530-934-3935— Chico, CA— 707-245-7896— JUDY AND PAUL FOGEL Certified: Rice 530-228-6414— [email protected]— Malibu, CA— [email protected]— Certified: Walnuts 310-457-7252— MARTIN BROS. Certified: Kiwifruit [email protected]— Willows, CA— GRIDER HOME RANCH Certified: Avocados, Fallow, Figs, 530-330-2842— OMEGA SEED Ukiah, CA— Lemons, Oranges, Rosemary [email protected]— Glenn, CA— 707-485-7104— Certified: Rice 530-934-5149— Certified: Grapes (Cabernet KERN RIDGE GROWERS, LLC [email protected]— Sauvignon), Grapes (Chardonnay), Arvin, CA— MCCLONE RANCH Certified: Seed, Seed Cleaning Grapes (Merlot), Grapes (Zinfandel) 661-854-3141— Placerville, CA— www.kernridge.com— 530-626-8704— OSGOOD FARMS GRIFFITH DAIRY (PLEASANT POINT Certified: Carrots [email protected]— Paso Robles, CA— DAIRY FARM) Certified: Apples, Grapes (Wine), 805-239-0161— Ferndale, CA— KIRK & CYNTHIA GIUSTI FARMS Pears [email protected]— 707-725-3029— Yuba City, CA— Certified: Walnuts [email protected]— 530-674-7122— MERIDIAN RIVER ROSES Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), [email protected]— Meridian, CA— PAUL VINEYARDS Pasture Certified: Rice 530-696-0245— Redwood VAlley, CA— [email protected] or tim@ 707-485-1324— GUADALUPE COOLING COMPANY LA SEMENZA FARM meridianriver.com— Certified: Grapes (Wine) Guadalupe, CA— Santa Cruz, CA— www.meridianriver.com— 805-249-3110— 831-212-1244— Certified: Rose PEREZ & DE AVILA [email protected]— [email protected]— Hollister, CA— Certified: Cooling Certified: Apples MODEAN FARMS, INC. 831-637-4287— Modesto, CA— Certified: Walnuts HARTJE VINEYARDS LAXON CORPORATION 209-524-0546— Redwood Valley, CA— Torrance, CA— Certified: Shelling PERRY RANCH 707-485-7561— 310-782-6111— Kelseyville, CA— Certified: Grapes (Wine) [email protected]— 707-279-2582— Certified: Alfalfa, Barley Certified: Walnuts
32 Certified Organic Winter 2007 PETE’S VALLEY CATTLE SACRAMENTO VALLEY WALNUT TESTA VINEYARDS WALKER DAIRY Zamora, CA— GROWERS, LLC Calpella, CA— Ferndale, CA— 530-207-7216— Yuba City, CA— 707-986-7465— 707-786-4529— Certified: Beef Cattle, Pasture 530-671-7630— [email protected]— [email protected]— [email protected]— Certified: Grapes (Cabernet Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), PRODUCERS DAIRY FOODS INC Certified: Walnuts Sauvignon) Pasture Fresno, CA— 559-264-6583— SAN GREGORIO COMPANY FARM THE VILLA BARONE WF FARMS 1 [email protected]— San Gregorio, CA— Mountain View, CA— Firebaugh, CA— Certified: Milk 650-726-0565— 650-814-0432— 559-659-3931— Certified: Apples, Flowers, Garlic, www.thevillabarone.com— [email protected]— R & R FARM Mixed Vegetables, Tomatoes (Fresh Certified: Olives Certified: Cotton Linden, CA— Market) 209-887-3986— THEODORE & JUDITH COONROD WILLIAM R. CIRIGLIANO [email protected]— SANTA PAULA HAY AND FEED Paso Robles, CA— Willows, CA— Certified: Walnuts Fullmore, CA— 805-226-8956— 530-330-0283— 805-797-4295— [email protected]— [email protected]— RAINBOW RANCH ORGANICS Certified: Oranges Certified: Walnuts Certified: Rice Santa Barbara, CA— 805-568-1434— SCOTT PARSONS DAIRY (HCA) TISELL FARMS WILLIAMS FOODS, INC. [email protected]— Eureka, CA— Lakeport, CA— Lenexa, KS— Certified: Avocados, Oranges, 707-442-0257— 650-344-0598— 913-888-4343— Tangerines [email protected]— Certified: Walnuts [email protected]— Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), www.williamsfood.com— RANCHO ALDEA ANTIGUA, LLC Pasture TOM WHITE KIWIFRUIT Certified: Spice Blends Carpenteria, CA— Chico, CA— 805-684-5543— SHEA’S ORGANICS 530-342-6530— WILLOW HAVEN Certified: Avocados Santa Rosa, CA— Certified: Fallow, Kiwifruit Vacaville, CA— 707-495-0727— 707-447-8331— RANCHO OJO ZARCO SPR de RL de [email protected]— TOPANGA GREEN [email protected]— CV (DSA) Certified: Mixed Vegetables Topanga, CA— Certified: Citrus Tapalapa, JA— 310-455-4215— 011-52-343-432-0094— SHINN DAIRY (HCA) [email protected]— WOOD CATTLE RANCH, INC. [email protected]— Ferndale, CA— Certified: Citrus, Flowers, Herbs, Zamora, CA— Certified: Corn (Fresh), Cover Crop, 707-786-9678— Mixed Vegetables, Nursery 530-207-7216— Strawberries [email protected]— Certified: Beef Cattle, Pasture & Certified: Dairy Cows, Milk (Raw), TRI-COUNTY PISTACHIO CO. Rangeland RICK SIMSON Pasture Maricopa, CA— Glenn, CA— 661-766-2177— YORKVILLE VINEYARDS 530-934-4156— SOUSA RANCHES [email protected]— Yorkville, CA— Certified: Pasture, Rice Ferdale, CA— Certified: Pistachios 707-895-2636— 707-786-4623— [email protected]— ROGERS HEAVEN SENT RANCH, [email protected]— UESUGI FARMS, INC. www.yorkvillecellars.com— LLC Certified: Grass, Hay and Pasture, Gilroy, CA— Certified: Grapes (Wine), Wine Benson, AZ— Pasture, Silage 408-842-1294— 520-247-3402— [email protected]— ZWALD RANCH - ANDY ZWALD www.RogersHSR.com— SPROUTS ORGANIC BABY, LLC Certified: Cooling, Packing, Peppers Durham, CA— Certified: Alfalfa, Fallow, Pasture Delancey, NY— 530-345-2384— 845-676-3822— VISTA ACRES [email protected]— RON BENSON [email protected]— Chico, CA— Certified: Rice Scotia, CA— Certified: Baby Food 530-899-1316— 707-722-4320— Certified: Almonds [email protected]— SUTTER HOME WINERY, INC. Certified: Corn (Dry) St. Helena, CA— 707-963-3104 — S & J MANDARIN GROVE [email protected]— Newcastle, CA— Certified: Wine 916-663-3310— [email protected]— SWIFT SUBTROPICALS .ON TOXIC ORGANIC SOLUTIONS FOR BURROWING RODENT CONTROL Certified: Mandarins Los Osos, CA— 805-542-0216— /RCHARDS 6INEYARDS &ARMS 4URF ,ANDSCAPES SACRAMENTO PACKING INC. Certified: Apples (Fuji), Asian 'OPHERS Yuba City, CA— Pears, Beef Cattle, Corn (Fresh), -OLES 6OLES 'ROUND 3QUIRRELS 530-671-4488— Cucumbers, Feijoa, Jelly Palm, [email protected]— #ONSULTING Kiwifruit, Melons, Passionfruit, /N &ARM 4RAINING 0ROGRAMS www.sacramentopacking.com— Pasture & Rangeland, Pepinos, 0OWER POINT LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS Certified: Prune Processing, Prunes FOR LARGE AND SMALL GROUPS Persimmons, Potatoes, Tuberose, "ULK TRAP AND EQUIPMENT SALES Yakon 4HOMAS 7ITTMAN /WNER WWWGOPHERSLIMITEDCOM
Winter 2007 Certified Organic 33 New Supporting The Epicurean Connection Ag Advisors/ Davis, Sheana— Consultants Members Sonoma, CA (707) 935-7960— www.sheanadavis.com— Chass, Mark Lifetime Business EnSave, Inc. [email protected]— Sebastopol, CA— Long, Katherine— (707) 824-9544— Calififornia Organic Fertilizer, Inc. A native of Sonoma Valley, Sheana Richmond, VT (800) 732-1399— [email protected] Stemwedel, Timothy— celebrates 20 years in the Culinary www.ensave.com— World focusing on organic non-GMO Fresno, CA (559) 585-4705— Gandoli, Fabian [email protected]— foods, recipe development, cooking www.organicag.com— Paso Robles, CA— The Dairy Energy Efficiency Program classes and seminars featuring [email protected]— (805) 835-8712— (DEEP) offers cash incentives on craft brews, artisan and farmstead Using natural and organic raw [email protected] variable speed drives, plate coolers, cheese, and hand-crafted foods. materials to produce organic compressors heat recovery units, Parry, Wendy fertilizers high in Nitrogen, scroll compressors, lighting, time The Juice Garden, LLC Los Angeles, CA— Phosphorus, and Potassium for more clocks, ventilation and premium Pastor Ronald Bruno— (626) 975-3191— than 10 years. Designed to contain efficiency motors to dairy customers Gary, IN— [email protected] micronutrients essential to growth of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. (219) 881-0212— processes. Six major products lines www.thejuicegarden.com— Fine Oak Cooperage include – Phyta-Green, Phyta-Grow, Full Circle Energy Co-op [email protected] Willmers, Raymond— Phyta-Start, Phyta-Guard, Phyta- Arenson, Michael— Glen Ellen, CA (707) 939-9790— min, and Phyta-Qc. Santa Cruz, CA (831) 427-3171— Vegan Rent-A-Chef [email protected] www.fullcirclesolar.com— Christensen, Donald & Sharon— Contributing [email protected] Angwin, CA (707) 965-2076— www.veganrentachef.com— Lifetime Individual Business MaSnax Treats [email protected] Sarachen, Ken Oertel, M— Pacific Ozone Technology Berkeley, CA Rambach, Chris— Sonoma, CA (707) 939-8174— Weed Farms Benicia, CA (707) 747-9600— www.masnax.com— Weed, David— www.pacificozone.com— [email protected]— Healdsburg, CA (510) 697-5099— Promoting [email protected]— Ma Snax Superior Treats are Sonoma [email protected]— Individuals California’s premium handcrafted Chestnuts, Kiwifruit and Wine Pacific Ozone Technology Carder, Ben gourmet dog biscuits & treats baked Grapes manufactures a complete line of Point Reyes Station, CA fresh with the finest organic human ozone systems for produce washing, Work Training Center quality ingredients. Castilla, Kim processing and CIP. Ozone, FDA and Krulder, Joe— Fort Bragg, CA organic approved, rapidly destroys Nutiva-Delicious Hemp and Chico, CA (530) 624-4346— E. Coli and Salmonella and leaves Coconut Superfood [email protected]— Chang, Henry no chemical residue. Process John Roulac— Work Training Center is a not-for- Fremont, CA controls, ozone monitors and and Sebastopol, CA— profit organization dedicated to contacting also available. (800) 993-4367, ext. 701— meeting the training and vocational www.nutiva.com— needs of adults with disabilities. We Promoting [email protected] provide work for over 600 people. Businesses Through our wood and sewing Pasha Marketing LLC facilities, we produce sustainable Ecosmart Technologies De Klotz, Franz— packaging for California farmers. Murphy, Joe— Mecca, CA (760) 396-2156— Franklin, TN (615) 261-7300— www.pashamkt.com— www.ecosmart.com— [email protected] [email protected] Port Organic Products EcoTools LLC Nelson, Isaac— Clancy, Susan— Bakersfield, CA (661) 243-6679 — Pasadena, CA (310) 971-5497— [email protected]— [email protected]— Port Organic Products manufactures Provider of Earth Friendly Products, fish based liquid organic fertilizer. Tools, Training, and Technologies; Port Organic proudly serves today’s We promote the partnerships and growers with tomorrow’s technology. teamwork neededapproved supplies Family owned since 1986. for cleaning, composting, orod control, and environmental disaster remediation.
www.ccof.org
Visit the CCOF website to learn more about certification, membership and organics.
34 Certified Organic Winter 2007
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CCOF Non-Profit Organization 1115 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3526 US Postage Paid (831) 423-2263 • fax (831) 423-4528 Permit #262 [email protected] • www.ccof.org Santa Cruz, CA