SANTA CRUZ, CA – The Organic Produce Network (OPN) donated $50,000 to the CCOF Foundation, a gift which OPN presented to both help advance organic agriculture and kick off the first annual Organic Growers Summit. OPN presented its gift, fittingly, at the CCOF Foundation’s “We are Organic Dinner” during the Organic Growers Summit in Monterey, California.

“The Organic Produce Network’s generous gift to the CCOF Foundation will enable us to continue supporting organic farmers, students, and teachers of organic and organic producers in need," CCOF Executive Director/CEO Cathy Calfo said of the honor. "We extend our tremendous gratitude to Tonya Antle, Matt Seeley, and the entire OPN team for their support.”

The CCOF Foundation plans to invest OPN’s donation in Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund, according to a press release. The fund distributes grants to students and teachers for  studies in organic agriculture; Organic Training Institute educational events; direct financial assistance through The Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund to organic producers, processors, and handlers who have suffered losses; and educational programs aimed at consumers.

The dinner itself, at which the donation was gifted, brought together a community in support of organic agriculture, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross as the night’s speaker, and more than 100 supporters of the CCOF Foundation.

Organic Produce Network CCOF