How We Do Our Work

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CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We do this through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion, which is carried out by three different branches of the organization: CCOF, Inc.CCOF Certification Services, LLC, and the CCOF Foundation.

As outlined in CCOF’s 2016-2018 Strategic Plan, CCOF fulfills its mission through a tri-part structure. The umbrella entity, CCOF, Inc., is governed by a member-elected board of directors and headed by an executive director/CEO. CCOF Certification Services, LLC, established in 2003, is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCOF, Inc. and is governed by a management committee appointed by the CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors. CCOF Certification Services is led by a staff executive who is hired by the management committee. Also established in 2003 is the CCOF Foundation. Its governing trustees are also appointed by the CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors.

CCOF supports the growth of organic by providing service-oriented organic certification, diverse educational offerings, and dedicated policy work. We are uniquely positioned to advance organic agriculture as a member-driven, organic-focused nonprofit organization with a commitment to giving back.

CCOF, Inc. 


CCOF, Inc. is governed by the CCOF, Inc. Board of Directors, who are elected by members of the 14 CCOF chapters. CCOF, Inc. provides cost-effective infrastructure for our certification, advocacy, and Foundation programs, including human resources, marketing, and technology for over 100 CCOF staff members to advance CCOF’s mission. CCOF, Inc. also engages certified and supporting members in organic advocacy in California and at the national level.

CCOF Certification Services, LLC

CCOF Certification Services, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCOF, Inc, governed by the LLC Management Committee and provides a variety of cost-effective organic certification programs. We certify farms, livestock operations, processors, retailers, private labelers, and restaurants, ensuring organic integrity from farm to fork. CCOF Certification Services is accredited by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). To provide international trade access for our clients, we also maintain ISO Guide 17065 accreditation with CAEQ. This accreditation allows CCOF to offer certification to the Mexican Organic Standards and the Canadian Organic Regime, as well as provide compliance verification to the EU and Swiss standards. Join the movement and apply for organic certification today.

CCOF Foundation

The CCOF Foundation invests in new organic farmers and businesses and promotes consumer understanding of organic agriculture through programs that educate future organic farmers, educate consumers, assist organic farmers in need, and provide ongoing training for organic professionals. The Future Organic Farmers program provides grants to K-8 teachers, high school students, and higher and vocational education students to advance their careers in organic. Thousands of our consumer education postcards are distributed each year to consumers with the reasons to buy certified organic products. The Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund helps organic farmers stay in business through the hard times by providing hardship assistance funds to organic farmers in need. The Organic Training Institute delivers important education and tools to prospective and current organic farmers. Learn more about the CCOF Foundation and get involved.