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CCOF Press Releases
Press Release
June 13, 2006
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CCOF Appoints Interim Certification Services Director
(June 13, 2006) Santa Cruz, CA - CCOF has announced that Jake Lewin, current Director of Marketing and International Programs, will be stepping in as Interim Certification Services Director to head CCOF’s organic certification program effective July 10, 2006. This position, previously titled Certification Services Manager, was held by Brian McElroy, a CCOF employee for almost 12 years prior to his resignation last week. McElroy will be stepping down on July 7 to pursue new opportunities in agriculture. Upon the McElroy’s departure, Lewin will assume the newly titled position as CCOF conducts an industry-wide search for a full-time replacement.
CCOF appreciates McElroy’s years of hard work and dedication. Over the years he has overseen much of CCOF’s development into a professional and responsive service-oriented certifier, in addition to playing a key role in CCOF’s successful USDA and other accreditation efforts. Over the next month, McElroy and Lewin will work together to ensure a smooth transition and the continuity of CCOF’s certification programs.
“Change seems to be the only constant in our business. Fortunately, CCOF is benefiting from a unique set of circumstances that will produce a smooth transition.,” said Lewin. “CCOF has built a strong reputation and significant customer loyalty through a dedication to integrity and service. I ’m looking forward to working with CCOF’s clients more closely and ensuring the continued quality of CCOF’s premier certification program.”
“Leaving CCOF is like leaving family,” said McElroy. “During the last 12 years, I have really appreciated working with CCOF producers and staff. The entire CCOF program is running better and financially more secure than ever before. I have confidence in all of CCOF’s staff and know that the program is in good hands.”
Lewin brings to the position a wealth of certification experience and education including more than eight years in the organic food, farming, and certification field. For the last two-and-a-half years, Lewin has overseen all aspects of CCOF’s marketing and international market access grant programs. In that time, CCOF has experienced strong revenue growth, increased media prominence, and doubled its online visitors. Lewin’s other experience includes working on an organic strawberry farm and as a certification reviewer, program manager and organic inspector for a variety of organic certifiers. He brings with him a deep understanding of organic standards in the United States and abroad.
CCOF’s certification program has grown to one of the largest in the United States with more than 1,000 organic farmers, 300 organic processors and a variety of other businesses. CCOF certifies more than 850 different types of products and more than 75% of California’s organic acreage. The organization has seen strong growth over the past several years including a single year increase of 40,000 acres – a 27% increase – in 2005. CCOF has long been respected as a leading voice in organic food, agriculture, and certification.
 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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