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CCOF Press Releases
Press Release
April 29, 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
California Certified Organic Farmers Names New Assistant Executive Director
Santa Cruz, CA - California Certified Organic Farmers, CCOF, announced the appointment of Steve Lustgarden as Assistant Executive Director, effective April 23.
Lustgarden, a California resident for the past 12 years, brings more than 16 years of nonprofit management experience 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. This includes positions at Health Projects Center, the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, EarthSave International, and other public and private institutions.
CCOF, one of North America's oldest and largest organic certification agencies, certifies more than 1,500 organic farmers, processors, handlers, retailers, and private labelers in 14 states and 8 countries including about 75% of the organic acreage in California. More than 300 supporting members are comprised of consumers, suppliers and other individuals and businesses interested in furthering CCOF's work.
"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 improve and expand its range of services. The potential for growth within the organics industry is tremendous. Just as important are the benefits that organic agriculture can provide to public health and our precarious planet," said Lustgarden.
Lustgarden holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Science from Washington State University and served as a fellow at the Institute for Resource Management. Lustgarden began his career in the organic field in the late 1970s as a market gardener producing fresh vegetables and herbs for restaurants and health food stores in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lustgarden has lived in Santa Cruz County since 1995.
 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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