Organic Gives Back - CCOF

Know Your CCOFJon Grucci,Handler Certification SpecialistJon Grucci cameto CCOF over eightmonths ago with aBachelor’s degreein Geography fromthe University ofDelaware. Prior tojoining CCOF, heworked with Devine Consultants foreight years, where he designed andtook care of custom home vineyards.Jon spends most of his time reviewingnew applications for food handling/processingcompanies and updating organicsystem plans. He is passionate aboutorganic and sustainable agriculture.Outside of CCOF, he enjoys music, especiallypercussion, and has a fondnessfor camping and backpacking. Whilehe would like to travel world-wide, heis happy tending to his plants at homethrough landscaping and gardening.Bridgett McGrath,Marketing SpecialistBridgett McGrathbegan working atCCOF as an internin September 2007while a student atUC Santa Cruz.Bridgett was one ofthe first membersof the CCOF internship program. Shegraduated with a Bachelor’s degree inEnvironmental Studies in June of 2008.Bridgett was thrilled to return to CCOFas a full-time staff member in October2008. As Marketing Specialist, she editsthe quarterly magazine, maintains theCCOF website, coordinates events andtradeshows, manages the intern teamand talks to prospective applicantslooking to become certified organic.Outside of CCOF, Bridgett loves theoutdoors and enjoys hiking, collectingrocks, gardening and admittedly confessesto being a big architecture geek.Kelly Lehman,Grower/Certification SpecialistKelly started workingfor CCOF justover seven monthsago. Before comingto California,she worked forPennsylvaniaCertified Organic,also as a certification specialist. She receivedher post-graduate degree in Lawwith a concentration in EnvironmentalLaw and worked at an environmentallaw firm. Her current work at CCOFinvolves reviewing applications fromnew applicants, handling inquiries overthe phone and working with othermembers of the grower certificationstaff. Kelly enjoys her job here becauseshe feels that the office is a greatand open learning environment (andthe location is great, too!). Her hobbiesoutside of CCOF involve hiking,tending to her backyard garden andcooking.February 6 – 7, 2009Dairy Pavilion, Chico CASAVE THE DATE:“Healthy Soils, Healthy Food”CCOF Education ConferenceCCOF’s two-day Educational Conference will includepresentations; break out sessions and farm tours aimedat helping participants understand the complex relationshipbetween soil, inputs, resources, outputs and thefood system. The keynote speaker, Tim LeSalle, ExecutiveDirector of the Rodale Institute, will be discussing newresearch that shows the positive effects healthy soilcan have on our environment. Other participants willinclude CSU Chico faculty, local growers and processorsand regulators. Attendees will also participate in avariety of farm tours in the area, including tours of LaRocca Vineyards, CSU Chico’s vegetable farm and dairy.For more information, visitwww.ccof.org/educationconference.php.Sponsorship opportunities available,contact advertising@ccof.org.CCOF Certified Organic Magazine—Fall 200921