James Olson is a CCOF Foundation Transición orgánica Subvencionado.
Farming is a way of life for James Olson, who grew up helping his family grow walnuts and almonds on the same land he now farms as an adult. He now raises over 30 species of trees for orchard planting and retail sale, in addition to selling vegetable starts in the spring, melons in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, and hay as a rotational crop around the vegetables.
With assistance from the CCOF Foundation Organic Transition grant, Olson plans to transition all of his 58 acres to organic agriculture. He says, “I see getting this land certified as organic as the way forward for my business and family.”
Farming is especially meaningful to Olson because, as a second-generation farmer, he watched his parents work hard over many years to buy the farmland and care for it. He not only finds strength in his family’s farming history, but also finds joy in providing living plants to his community. “Selling perennial plants is especially satisfying,” he says, “since they will, with proper care, outlive any of us here today.”
Olson decided to transition his farmland to organic because of his conviction that organic agriculture is a better way to care for the land. “My family always tried to limit our reliance on chemicals, but even so, it was the one part of the business I actively disliked,” he says. “When I saw a way to eliminate the use of chemicals in the crops we are growing, I took it.”
As part of his organic transition journey, Olson is implementing many changes at his farm. He is growing a native plant hedgerow along his hay fields, putting up bird houses and perches for owls, kestrels, and raptors as natural pest control, applying large amounts of compost, and planting new areas, in addition to many more jobs like installing more fencing and purchasing more equipment that will aid in more efficiency. These upgrades will position his business for success.
Los envases de la Fundación CCOF is proud to support producers like James Olson with the Organic Transition grant, which provides three-year grants of $10,000 per year to farmers transitioning their land to organic production. Grantees receive multi-year funding and 1:1 organic technical assistance.
Si desea contribuir al éxito de Transición orgánica grantees like James Olson, please contact the CCOF Foundation’s Donor Relations Manager Shawna Rodgers, srodgers@ccof.org para saber más.
