Organic Urban Farms Strengthen Communities - CCOF

First WordsChange. Change is something thatevokes a great deal of emotion in us.We often get uneasy at the very thought ofit. We are creatures of habit and changetakes us out of our routines. Althoughchange is often thought of as bad, changealso demands modifications and improvementsand is essential to survival.The bird’s beak that alters and lengthens toreach bugs buried deeper in the sand; thelizard whose skin color changes to providegreater camouflage in different surroundings;the plant that adapts its germinationpattern to reflect climate variations: all ofthese changes reflect improvements that determinedthe survival of the species in a newenvironment. In agriculture we celebrate thechange of the season. We lament the end ofsummer as we welcome and celebrate thefall harvest and enjoy the fruits of our labor,and we trust that the upcoming winter willgive way to new shoots in the spring.In this edition of Certified Organic,stories of change for the better abound.Several changes in the wine industryresulted in awards for Energy Championsand Sustainability. Dixon Ridge Farmscontinues to be recognized for theirexcellence in conservation as a recipientof a Conservation Innovation Grant. Theywould never be where they are now withoutdeciding to change and get off the grid. SeeMember News beginning on page 5 formore information.The National Organic Program (NOP)realized that they need to change theirapproach to managing certification and isnow talking about this being the “Age ofEnforcement.” Zea Sonnabend realized thatchange was needed with respect to the issueof organic seed in Mexico and spearheadedan effort to increase use there. Find outmore by turning to the Advocacy column onpage 9. In our feature article, you can seethe effects of change as folks in Los Angelesand other urban areas bring the benefits offresh, local, and organic agriculture to theircommunities. Even a landlord, steadfastlyopposed to leasing land to an urban gardenproject in South Central LA, has changed hisopinion and is now re-considering.CCOF too is addressing change: thedeparture of our Executive Director alongwith other key staff members in Marketingand Certification. We are seizing theopportunity that this change has created.We have interviewed departing staff, thoseremaining and volunteers to gain perspectiveand to help us develop and implementpositive improvements for the organizationthat will allow us to build our capacity tofulfill our mission to certify, educate, andadvocate organic.As you read this edition of CertifiedOrganic I encourage you to think about theadvantages of change and transformationin an ever-changing landscape. Recognizethe reasons for change in your own organicoperations and lives, then identify areas forimprovement and take action! Avoid beingleft behind. Embrace change.Will DanielsChairman of the Board, CCOF, Inc.4 CCOF Certified Organic Magazine—Fall 2010