Insider Discusses Impact Of Organic Merger
August 7, 2012 
A couple of months ago, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Oregon Tilth, two of the nation’s leaders in the organic movement and certification, announced they plan to merge. Together, the two organizations, as CCOF Tilth, hope to strengthen the visibility and voice of organic.
Leaders say it will result in the creation of the strongest organic certification program in the country committed to preserving organic integrity and serving the full range of organic producers, handlers, and processors, including the small farmer. In addition, it will result in a highly engaged membership of more than 4,200 organic farmers, processors, handlers, and retailers, along with 550 supporting members advocating on behalf of organic and sustainable agricultural practices.
Oregon Tilth, in particular, is currently a leader in organic farming education and research. That will not change, they say. By merging, their combined education and research efforts will provide members with extensive and useful information about new organic farming techniques, crops, and regulations.
Both CCOF’s and Oregon Tilth’s boards of directors have approved merger terms that their memberships will be asked to ratify prior to Oct. 31. They say they are committed to maintaining high-quality customer service throughout the process of integrating the two organizations.
By intention, CCOF Tilth will have neither state in its title as it will be a national organization. The only reason for the state names is that is where each was formed years ago. As for the structure of CCOF Tilth, it will be a three-pronged organization. Cathy Calfo, currently CCOF executive director, will be executive director of CCOF Tilth Inc., which will serve as the trade association. Chris Schreiner, who is currently executive director of Oregon Tilth, will become executive director of the CCOF Tilth Foundation, a charitable education and outreach organization. Jake Lewin, currently chief certification officer of CCOF, will have the same title with CCOF Tilth LLC, a nonprofit certification program.
We recently caught up with Calfo, who agreed to answer a few questions about the reorganization.
How did the merger come about? Was there any particular incident or situation that was its genesis?
It is more of a restructuring than a merger. Both organizations have been looking for ways to stabilize certification costs especially for the many smaller growers we represent. It made sense to join forces, especially given the two organizations’ long history as certifiers with a priority on education and advocacy as well.
The merger is to be ratified Oct. 31? Is there a chance it won’t be ratified, or is that just a formality?
There is always a chance it won’t be ratified. Both organizations need to make a case to their members for their approval. But we’re working very, very hard every day and we’re optimistic it will be ratified.
What differences will I see as a certified member of CCOF? Of Oregon Tilth?
Together we will be the best certification organization in the country. Particularly our online services will be the best. Members can more easily manage their materials online. Clients with the new entity will be using a completely paperless system. Service, cost, and paperwork are members’ chief concerns. We survey them regularly and those three items routinely come up as the key concerns. Second, we will put together strong educational programming, with Oregon State University and the Natural Resources Conservation Service providing organic technical assistance. One of the outcomes of the merger will be more resources for organic programming. We have put together a chart that shows each organization’s clients. There is a national presence among the two organizations when they are joined.
What differences will I see as an outsider?
We do provide education for non-members. For example, we distribute brochures and kitchen magnets at farmers’ markets explaining organics. The reorganization is intended to better meet members’ practical needs, but they also benefit from stronger consumer awareness.
Say I’m just starting out as an organic grower, and I’m considering certification. Why should I go with CCOF Tilth?
Because we are the best certifier in the country, the most respected, and we have been around the longest. For more information about the pending merger, visit ccoftilthmerger.org.
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