The CCOF policy team is in the midst of researching and writing recommendations for the second phase of the Roadmap to an Organic California project. The project presents the research-supported benefits of organic agriculture and recommends policies that address California’s toughest challenges. From climate change and water degradation to public health threats and struggling local economies, organic agriculture is a proven solution.
Phase one of the Roadmap, the Benefits Report, was released in early 2019 and represents a comprehensive scientific review of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of organic agriculture. The science shows that organic farms are combatting climate change by building healthy soils that store carbon. Organic farms create strong local economies by keeping dollars recirculating in the community and an organic diet is healthy and synethetic-pesticide free.
The forthcoming Policy Report will lay out a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to address California’s biggest challenges by expanding the benefits of organic agriculture to all California communities.
CCOF is currently meeting with diverse stakeholders across California to develop the policy platform. The platform will focus on three major topics:
- Expanding access to organic foods
- Supporting organic producers
- Supporting transition to organic
CCOF will also begin soliciting feedback from members through a survey. Keep an eye out for details on the survey next week. For questions about the project and to weigh in on how to grow and support organic, contact roadmap@ccof.org.
The Roadmap to an Organic California is made possible through the support of Patagonia, the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, and Driscoll’s.