About CCOF
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. CCOF is governed by an elected board of certified organic producers and represents 4,300 diverse organic operations across North America, with almost 3,000 of those operations based in California.
About the Specialty Crop Trade Mission to Mexico
In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CCOF will lead a trade mission to Mexico in June 2024. The goal of this project is to create economic opportunities for specialty crop organic producers through an international market development activity and by leveraging the unique qualities of specialty crops grown in California.
The intended outcome of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through increased sales. This will be achieved through business-to-business matchmaking opportunities, market promotions, and engagement with industry and trade representatives.
Mexico is the fourth largest agricultural export destination for California farms–representing more than $1.2 billion in overall exports. Tree nuts, fresh fruit, and processed tomatoes are some of the leading specialty crop exports to the market.
The Organic Specialty Crop Trade Mission to Mexico will include the direct participation of 10 specialty crop companies. These companies will directly benefit from the one-on-one business meetings to further the opportunity of export sales to Mexico.
Contract Information
CCOF will fund a one-time contract to lead coordination of the trade mission. The contract budget is up to $45,000 and includes expenses related to lodging, in-country flights, transportation, meetings, some meals, and activities for 15 delegation participants. The delegation is anticipated to visit Guadalajara and Mexico City over the course of 5 to 6 days.
Eligibility Requirements
CCOF is accepting proposals from organizations and companies in Mexico with expertise in trade delegation and promotion organization.
Desired qualifications include:
- Bilingual, Mexico-based professionals experienced in trade delegation coordination
- Existing relationships with retailers and buyers who sell or are well poised to sell organic produce, nuts, and other specialty crops
- Existing relationships and understanding of U.S. Department of Agriculture trade offices and representatives in Mexico
- Existing relationships and understanding of Mexico agriculture regulatory bodies and institutions related to organic agriculture and production
- Experience coordinating lodging, transportation, translation, meals, and cultural activities
- Experience coordinating site visits, seminars, and trade meetings
- Experience and contacts in Guadalajara and Mexico City preferred
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by CCOF staff. Proposals must include:
- Names and qualifications of principle in market contractor representatives
- Detailed cost estimate and budget
- Proposed timeline
Reporting Requirements
Funded projects will provide a final report and copies of deliverables that present the activities undertaken.
Submission and Contact Information
Please submit proposals by December 20, 2023. Submit to CCOF’s administrative assistant to the CEO, Makenna Moore at mmoore@ccof.org.