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CCOF Press Releases
Press Release
April 20, 2007
For Immediate Release |
Contact:
Viella Shipley
(831) 423-2263, ext. 31
viella@ccof.org
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Download the pdf of this Press Release
CCOF Moves to Keep Up with Demand
Santa Cruz, CA - Organics are growing and California Certified Organic Farmers has moved to keep up with the pace. CCOF, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious organic certification agencies, moved on March 20, 2007 to a modern, 6647 square foot office space at 2155 Delaware Avenue in Santa Cruz.
The former office was a 3200 square foot Victorian which served as CCOF's headquarters for 11 years. The quaint quarters could no longer hold the 24 full-time employees. "We were busting at the seams at the Mission Street office." stated Executive Director, Peggy Miars, "Our new office enables the staff to be more efficient and will allow us to better serve our members." With a projected annual growth of 12%, the new office space should welcome a minimum of one new employee a year.
CCOF is taking other assertive measures to maintain its leadership in certification and customer service. One such measure was the creation of the Assistant Executive Director post which was filled this month by Steve Lustgarden. Lustgarden brings more than 16 years of nonprofit management to CCOF. He has previously served as an Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director and Program Manager with other nonprofit organizations in the central coast region of California. "CCOF is a leader in the organic industry and I am proud to be a part of this talented and committed team of staff and volunteers. I look forward to assisting CCOF in improving and expanding its range of services." said Lustgarden.
The traditional CCOF office garden will continue at the new space. "Gardens are a great way to create community, promote sustainability and reduce stress. It is also a great way to exchange growing knowledge with the many talented co-workers we have!" says garden coordinator, Viella Shipley, CCOF's Director of Sales and Marketing.
 About CCOF
CCOF, a nonprofit organization formed by a group of grassroots activist farmers, is one of the oldest and largest organic certifiers in North America. CCOF’s purpose is to promote and support organic agriculture in California and elsewhere through:
• A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
• Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic products and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
• Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.
More information: About CCOF, CCOF History, CCOF Fact Sheets and Statistics .
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