Press Release

January 24, 2005

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Peggy Miars
CCOF President
(831) 423-2263, ext. 12
peggy@ccof.org

Prather Ranch Wins Governor's Environmental And Economic Award

(December 13, 2004) Santa Cruz, CA - Prather Ranch of Fall River Mills, California, was one of a handful of California individuals, businesses and organizations that recently received California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor - the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Prather Ranch is a vertically integrated agribusiness that encourages economic innovation with environmental sustainability. The cattle and hay ranch is a self-sustaining operation that promotes strong environmental philosophies, holistic management practices and the humane treatment of livestock. Prather Ranch's organic beef herd-one of the largest in the country-is certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

"Each one of these recipients has shown a deep commitment to balancing environmental preservation and protection with the need to keep California's economy growing. I commend them for their efforts," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Recipients are chosen from throughout California for promoting excellence in compatible, sustainable economic development while protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Established in 1993, GEELA honors individuals, organizations and businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership in building public-private partnerships while conserving the environment.

Prather Ranch is a 15,560 acre operation located on a high mountain butte northeast of Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Jim and Mary Rickert have practiced sustainable agriculture on the ranch for nearly 20 years and gained organic certification in 1999.

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