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Unsolicited Email from OrganicEye to CCOF Clients

The claims made in the recent solicitation communication from OrganicEye are false, misleading, and unsupported by evidence. All matters referenced in the email have either been reviewed, resolved, or disproven through proper USDA oversight. CCOF Certification Services, LLC operates with full independence and accountability under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and remains in good standing as an accredited certifier. 

We want to share the following factual information in our continued commitment to full transparency and maintaining the highest standards of organic integrity:  

  • Organizational Structure: CCOF’s structure has remained unchanged since its USDA NOP accreditation in 2002. CCOF is not unique; there are several other certifiers with similar organizational structure. CCOF is independently audited by USDA and follows strict conflict-of-interest safeguards. The USDA NOP and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigated and closed the complaint regarding CCOF’s structure, confirming compliance with NOP regulations.   
  • Farmer-Led Board of Directors: CCOF was founded by farmers, for farmers. Our governing board of directors is elected by certified members for three-year terms. Board members include chapter representatives who are nominated by chapter members. The majority of serving Board members are small or mid-scale growers or handlers. 
  • Certification Enforcement and Animal Welfare: In the specific animal welfare complaint referenced, CCOF proactively investigated all issues named prior to the complaint being filed. In all instances, CCOF follows all regulatory protocols, including formal notices and mediation, to ensure fairness and regulatory compliance.  
  • Hydroponics: CCOF believes that healthy soil has been and always will be the very foundation of organic, and we deeply respect that many of our members are passionately committed to soil-based organic practices. Certifiers like CCOF do not set federal standards; we uphold and enforce them. While the USDA Organic program has long allowed for the certification of hydroponic systems, CCOF certifies fewer than five operations using water-based systems, and less than 2.5% of certified operations use container-based systems with substrate. CCOF continues to support the creation of a separate label under the USDA Organic program for producers using hydroponic systems to support transparency and uphold consumer trust. 
  • Communications Agency: CCOF selected Comsint Communications as its communications partner to expand consumer engagement and advance organic market development strategies. The partnership allows us to reach new audiences, build demand for organic food, and reinforce the integrity of the USDA Organic label.  

CCOF leadership is immensely proud to serve farmers. Meet our CEO Kelly Damewood and Board Chair Phil LaRocca to learn about their rich history in agriculture and passion for supporting organic producers. If you have any questions or concerns, email Makenna Moore (mmoore@ccof.org) to schedule a 1:1 call with CCOF leadership.  

Thank you for your continued support and trust in CCOF. We truly appreciate your steadfast commitment to organic integrity and the organic community.