The CCOF Foundation's landmark Going Organic Project is accelerating the transition to organic agriculture in California. Going Organic provides a network
of support for farmers interested in transitioning to organic by addressing systemic, economic, and technical
barriers to organic conversion.
After receiving initial pilot project funding from the Heller Foundation, the Going Organic Project received a grant from the California State Water Board. This funding has allowed continuing organic transition assistance throughout California's Central and San Joaquin Valleys through 2008.
Going Organic features: 
- Educational Events open to farmers, policy makers, educators, and farmers of all types
- Certification Assistance
- Research on the Water Quality Benefits of Organic Production.
More information:
The Going Organic Project Fact Sheet
Contact: Fred Thomas at 530-891-6958.
Become a New Organic Farmer !
Have organic certification questions? Visit our certification FAQs
Find Going Organic Events in your area. Check the Going Organic Events Calendar below.
Organic farming is an increasingly attractive alternative to many California farmers. By adopting organic practices, growers can reduce costs,
remain economically viable and conserve resources while providing
health and environmental benefits. On-farm research comparing organic
practices to conventional approaches has shown the potential to
maintain yields and profits. California's approximately 2000 organic
growers are living proof of the possibility of running a successful
organic farm. Yet organic agriculture still represents only a small
percentage of the state's total farm acreage.
California farmers urgently need technical assistance programs
and policy changes that will enable a faster and smoother transition
to organic farming. CCOF’s Going Organic project and advocacy
efforts fill these needs.
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Become a New Organic Farmer!
Many California farmers are interested in converting to organic
production, but are not sure how to make the transition. They have
a wide range of questions about what organic farming would mean
for them in terms of soil and pest management, marketing and certification.
Going Organic directly addresses these questions and other barriers
to conversion through our Organic System Plan Trainings.
The Going Organic project provides workshops, farm tours and organic system plan training and helps forge links between organic farmers and their non-organic
neighbors in order to accelerate the expansion of organic acreage and the
organic market.
Application Forms:
Organic Farmer Mentor Application
New Organic Farmer Application
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Events:
The Going Organic Project is holding trainings and events for experienced and new organic farmers throughout the California Central and San Joaquin valleys. Check back often to find events in your area. Other events, trainings, seminars and opportunities are also listed in the CCOF Organic Events Calendar. Going Organic events are free and open to all interested parties.
Date, Time |
Chapter
Region |
Location
|
Going Organic Event
|
Contact |
| Feb 9,
2009
1:30 - 4:30 PM |
|
Woodland, CA |
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
Feb 10,
2009
1:30 - 4:30 PM |
North Valley |
|
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
| Feb 18, 2009 1:30 - 4:30 PM |
Sierra Gold |
|
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
| Feb 25, 2009 1:30 - 4:30 PM |
Big Valley |
|
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
| Feb 26, 2009 1:30 - 4:30 PM |
Fresno-Tulare |
|
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
March 28, 2009
1:00 - 4:00 PM |
Lake-Mendocino |
|
Organic System Plan Training (OSP 101) |
RSVP Fred Thomas
Telephone: (530) 891-6958
fred@ccof.org |
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Additional Regional Going Organic Contacts:
Project Manager
Fred Thomas
2119 Shoshone Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
530-891-6958
fred@ccof.org
Big Valley Chapter
GO Management Team Member:
Greg Ferrari 209-662-0504 greg@ferrarifarms.com
GO Chapter Leader:
Bill Thompson 209-988-6388 foursea@clearwire.net
Fresno-Tulare Chapter
GO Management Team Member:
Mike Braga 559-675-1743 bragafarms@yahoo.com
GO Chapter Leader:
Bill Thompson 209-988-6388 foursea@clearwire.net
Mendocino/Lake Region
GO Management Team Member:
Lars Crail 707-279-4949 yoxagoi@mchsi.com
Going Chapter Leader:
Lars Crail 707-279-4949 yoxagoi@mchsi.com
North Coast Region
GO Management Team Member:
Fred Thomas 530-891-6958 fred@ccof.org
North Valley Chapter
GO Management Team Member:
Carl Rosato 530-589-1696 woodleaffarm@sbcglobal.net
GO Chapter Leader:
Carl Rosato 530-589-1696 woodleaffarm@sbcglobal.net
Sierra Gold Chapter
GO Management Team Member: Randy Hansen
530-626-9696 hansenrr@pacbell.net
GO Chapter Leader: Steve Bird
530-647-0690 celticgardens@netzero.com
Unversity of California Davis
GO Management Team Member:
Mark Van Horn 530-752-7645. mxvanhorn@ucdavis.edu
Yolo Chapter
GO Management Team Member:
Greg House 530-753-3361 greg@cocoranch.com
GO Chapter Leader:
Greg House 530-753-3361. greg@cocoranch.com
More information on the CCOF Foundation.
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