In 2002, OC was one of the first certification agencies to become accredited to the USDA NOP (National Organic Program) standard. OC began to steadily grow and gain respect in the organic community. Today, OC has grown to be California’s 3rd largest certification agency. OC continues to approach organic certification with a focus on “sound and sensible” by offering reasonable information requests, quick response time, and forming one-on-one relationships between OC representatives and clients.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because I have seen first-hand how conventional agriculture works and it is frightening. I also care what goes into what I consume as you “are what you eat”.  Lastly, raising my kids have given organics renewed priority as you want your little monsters to grow up to be healthy and capable young adults.

What is your organic background?

I have been employed in organic certification since before the National Organic Program took effect. I enjoy working with clients and helping them with all of their certification needs. I take pride in my work and it is always humbling and empowering to hear positive feedback from clients in need. I am fluent in Spanish and enjoy helping all of the Latin American clients.

What are your hobbies?

My 3 kids take up most of my spare time but I enjoy playing wheelchair rugby and when I get a chance, fishing and scuba diving.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

My favorite animal is the Silverback Gorilla. I love this animal because he eats organic and is a gentle giant.

Why is organics important to you?

I am a big supporter of sustainability and helping the environment. Organics helps us to be more sustainable and conscious of how we are effecting the Earth. It also brings farmers and consumers closer together so that they can build a better understanding of the foods that they are purchasing and how it is grown. I believe it’s important to know what is going into your food and what you are eating.

What is your organic background?

I graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Foods & Nutrition. Organics was a small portion of what I learned in college but I’m glad that I found my way into the organic industry. I’ve worked in the organic industry for about 4.5 years now and I’ve learned so much about the regulations and the different companies out there who are passionate about organics. I still get excited when I see new organic products in the works and on the market.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are video editing, traveling, going to concerts, and finding new food/coffee spots.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal I would be an otter because they are playful and love being in the water!

As a farmer growing vegetables organically in the late 80s, early 90’s, it was very evident then that our customers were enjoying the increasing availability of farm fresh, non-conventionally grown produce. I never imagined then however that an organic produce section would ever be in a regular store. In only 25 years what big changes have been made!

What is your organic background?

I grew up in Long Beach, California. After high school I went to Long Beach City College, Santa Barbara City College, and UC Santa Barbara, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography/ Environmental Studies. After college, I traveled to Lesotho, South Africa (during Apartheid) and worked on a dam project for subsistence agriculture.

In my early adult years I worked for the US Forest Service as a Wilderness Patrol Ranger (Mt Baldy & San Gabriel Canyon) and was also a YAC field leader who managed crews (maintaining the Los Padres firebreaks and local Santa Barbara recreational trails).

I later received certification as a Wastewater Treatment Operator and worked at the El Estero WW Treatment Facility in Santa Barbara.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking most. We have an RV now and I like traveling in that vehicle with our two dogs.I love Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A Dolphin: They are very smart & talk a lot. They move in herds and their predators are few. Their food is plentiful, and they are always SMILING.

Why is organics important to you?

I believe transparency and integrity are so important when it comes to the food industry’s relationship with consumers. If you are fueling your body with it, you have a right to know what’s in it and how it’s produced. Organics upholds this integrity and brings peace of mind that the fresh produce and products you are buying come from traceable, accountable, sustainable sources.

What is your organic background?

I graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2014 with a  Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies. With an interest in biodiversity and sustainability, I was excited at the opportunity to enter the organics world in 2018. Though I am fairly new to the industry, I have learned so much thus far, and plan to continue growing my knowledge and experiences.

What are your hobbies?

I love staying active and being outside – playing rugby, CrossFit, hiking, biking, swimming, camping, kayaking, going to the beach, hanging at the park – you name it! I also like to tend to my crafty side with painting, lettering, calligraphy, and graphic design. More often than not, however, you can find me cuddling with my dog.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be an elephant. These fascinating giants are complex, intelligent, beautiful, and most importantly, get to travel and eat all day. They live in close-knit matriarchal families that can hold their own – you wouldn’t want to mess with them!

I believe organic is the future. Organics nurture the planet we live in and help increase biodiversity, thus increasing the Earth’s natural ability to renew itself with out damaging the soils and environment in which our food comes from. We’ve only got one earth so we need to take care of it. I take pride in being apart of an industry that is beneficial to the world we live in.

What is your organic background?

I have been a certification agent for 6 years, and I love what I do. I have also had IOIA training. I enjoy assisting clients through certification and educating them on the importance of their efforts to maintain organic integrity.

What are your hobbies?

I am a bibliophile. I LOVE to read and have an almost photographic memory for what I have read. Other than that my kids’ hobbies are my hobbies. I have a trumpet player, a soccer player, and 2 girl scouts. They take up most of my free time. I am also a teen youth minister for my church.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Siberian tiger. Or a dolphin. Probably a dolphin. Since Siberian tigers are almost extinct. Both are very beautiful and possess qualities I admire.

Organics is important to me because it supports a greater cause in food integrity and I care about the food that nourishes my body. Organics can also help decrease the gap between consumers and farmers by creating awareness of where their food is coming from and how it was grown or prepared.

What is your organic background?

I graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in June 2015 with a major in Food Marketing and Agribusiness Management and minor in Multicultural Leadership Studies. While in college I undertook an internship with the USDA-Food Safety Inspection Service in Washington D.C. where I engaged in food sourcing and food safety. On my return I did a proposal for bringing greater awareness of our food sources and farmers in California. I then presented my proposal in Sacramento, CA. I now continue to support farmers markets and actively seek organic products.

What are your hobbies?

I love working with horses on the weekends, whether it’s riding or caring for them it brings me ultimate peace. I also swim, run at the beach, dance, bake creative cakes, and make arts and craft projects.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal I would be an Andalusian horse because they are strong, beautiful, and intelligent. They are peaceful out at pasture, yet helpful around the ranch.

Why is organics important to you?

Organic is important to me because it helps to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. Its important to me to have a positive impact on this earth.

What is your organic background?

I have been in the organic industry for 4 years working with both farms and processors. I have been really enjoying working with local California farmers.

What are your hobbies?

I love being outside and rock climbing. I also love walking and playing with my puppy Puffin.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a golden retriever in a good home because they have the best lives when they’re loved.

The health of our planet’s people, soils, and ecological balance is important to me. Organic producers are accountable for achieving and maintaining high standards in each component of their organic operation, from soil management and animal welfare, to equipment cleaning materials and pest control practices.

What is your organic background?

I attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communication. The foundation of my education has been about bridging the gap between food producers and food consumers. Organic farming was a ‘hot topic’ in many of my courses as it continues to be a growing sector within the industry. I am grateful that the knowledge and experience I gained at Cal Poly has carried over into my career at Organic Certifiers.

What are your hobbies?

I like all things outdoors: hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, beach volleyball. I also enjoy cooking and baking, although, I am still learning.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a lion. Lions live in close family groups and the females tend to do the majority of the hunting. They are known for their strength and courage. If you mess with a lion, you have to deal with the whole pride!

I’m a huge advocate of being healthy, active and consuming good nutritious food to nourish our bodies. Organics is just the beginning. Organics contain less pesticides, chemicals and other unhealthy additives than conventional produce and products. Which means with organic food, we input a lot more healthy nutrition into our great human bodies to be healthy and to be active.

What is your organic background?

I started getting involved in organics around 2014. That was when I had a change in lifestyle and also started working for my previous organic certifying employer. I had very little background on organics prior, but gained so much once I started working for organics company.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy being active and just being outside. From going to the gym, hiking, swimming, boxing, CrossFit, cycling, shopping, finding different coffee shops.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would choose to be an eagle. Because they have some qualities that I lack in and some that I already have. They’re known to have intuition, creativity, balance and grace. Their vision is sharp which gives them the ability to see the hidden truth and spiritual principles.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because I believe in the practice of integrating cultural, biological, mechanical means that foster cycling of resources to promote ecological balance and to conserve biodiversity. I believe in providing good healthy food to consumers that can fight off diseases and illnesses, not to create diseases.

What is your organic Background?

Graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors in Food Science and concentration in Culinology. I have been involved in the food industry since 2009 and organic food industry since 2011.

 What are your hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, gardening, shopping, and staying physically fit (outdoor activities)

 If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Something tropical, with bright colors; a little fish in the Caribbean or little bird in the rain-forest.

Organic agriculture is important to me because my family is a part of the organic community here in California. My involvement within the industry through my family’s operation has shown me that working hard and giving back to the environment through organic practices, does give producers something in return. As a producer, you receive the satisfaction of knowing that the products you’re producing are produced in the way nature intended by using no pesticides, GMO’s or products that harm the environment. My family has been a part of the California dairy industry for almost the past 100 years and I want to do everything I can to make sure that my family will be around for the next 100. Organics is the way I can help do that because it is an opportunity to change my way of life that works to preserve the environment for generations to come.

 What is your organic background?

I graduated June 2013 from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo with a major of Dairy Science and a minor in Agribusiness. While at Cal Poly, I wrote a review of literature for my senior project that explored that differences, benefits and drawbacks of both organic and conventional dairy farming. I was born and raised on my family’s dairy farm in Northern California that recently transitioned into organic production. I also interned at an organic dairy farm in Point Reyes, CA where I learned a lot about organic dairy farming practices and the National Organic Program.

 What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include playing the piano, cooking/baking, snowboarding, spending time outside on my family’s dairy (when I get the chance), and spending time with my family and friends

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would want to be a dolphin. They are very enthusiastic and playful animals, kind of like myself, and they travel all across the oceans and explore tons of beautiful places.

Organics are important to me because they are an integral step in creating a sustainable food system that brings knowledgeable consumers and farmers together.

What is your organic background ?

I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Soil and Water Studies. As a student, I worked for a year at the school’s Russell Ranch faculty under the LTRAS (Long Term Research in Agriculture Sustainability) Program as well as an intern and then Junior Specialist in the Horwath Soil Lab working on Nitrogen Cycling in Siliviculture and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading and hanging out with my boyfriend and cats.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Mantis Shrimp because they are beautiful and deadly.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics are important to me because it focuses on the comprehensive use and reuse of local resources, promotes ecological balance, and conserves biodiversity. The organic produce community and business have been growing tremendously year-to-year, and the focus has been the diversification of the commodities available as organic using global sourcing; this brings the need for more comprehensive programs to monitor and validate the authenticity of organic products by adding third-party audits to the whole production chain, starting in the fields and ending with educating the final customer. My favorite part is being able to help educate our growers and processors on the importance of having an organic program in place.

What is your organic background ?

I earned a B.S. Biochemical Engineer of Foods (Food Processing) from Durango Technological Institute in Mexico and have taken Independent Organic Inspectors’ Association inspector training courses. I have great experience in fieldwork in Mexico with processing facilities as well as grower relations cultivated through my years working with US based companies, where my main job was the implementation of all grower, packing, and processor’s organic and food safety certifications for operations contracted in Mexico; along with my independent organic inspector activities. I got involved in organic production back in ’95 while processing apple juice concentrate. At that time, one of my customers asked for Organic Apple Juice, so I got immersed into the rules and regulations available at that time in order to set up the production program from field to juice plant. It didn’t take long for me to realize that these rules were not so different than the growing practices I’ve seen as a kid at my grandpa’s oat and potato yard.

What are your hobbies?

I love the outdoors, so at any chance I have I go up to the mountains with my family to enjoy being away from the city, watch the night sky and the beauty of the forest. I also enjoy working at home on any repairs and/or improvements needed (including not so needed).

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Wolf; this is my favorite animal. Wolves develop close relationships and strong social bonds, proving this is a highly intelligent, adaptable and sociable animal.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because preserving our planet for my children’s future is key. Not only does the organic certification ensure there are no harmful chemicals in our food, it also guarantees against harmful chemicals in the soil. 

What is your organic background ?

I’m certified in Computerized Accounting, after starting my family I realized I needed something less stressful, thus my journey with Organic Certifiers began. I started in administration and eventually was given the opportunity to take on more responsibility. I am now the Administrator and I help facilitate the Annual Renewal process among other duties. I love working with both our staff and clients.

What are your hobbies?

I love to run, I like how your body can work in unison to get you across the finish line. Plus,  it’s the only time I’m not thinking about my “to do” list. 

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be an octopus, imagine all the things I would accomplish in one day with the extra tentacles.

Since becoming a Mom my interest in organics has started to focus more on how important it is for the younger generations to eat wholesome food to prevent major health problems in the future.

 What is your organic background?

I majored in General Biology at Cal State San Marcos. I have IOIA certification and have worked on organic farms in Costa Rica, Italy and Ireland.

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies: In my spare time I like to run. My husband and I are also in the beginning stages of building a farm house on our 9 acre property in Bonsall, CA

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a blue whale. Long life, largest animal on earth, graceful and awesome.

Born and raised in France, I studied languages (English, German, French), Administration, and Imports – Exports.  I moved to the United States 23 years ago and dove into the organic world in 2002, right when the National Organic Program went into effect.  I have always had a close relationship with nature, hiking the wilderness, gardening, being healthy and eating healthy. Well, the “healthy eating” part came in later in my life when I discovered the benefits of eating organic food and the impact it has on your health and the environment.

What is your organic background?

I am proud to be part of this industry and to have contributed for years to helping  crop producers and processors to achieve organic certification. It is a great feeling to be surrounded daily with clients who  support bettering our planet… I have a fascinating job .

What are your hobbies?

As I said earlier, being healthy is an important part of my life.  When not working on clients’ files,  I am most likely running, SUPing, windsurfing, sailing, snowskiing, hiking, swimming, working out at the gym, gardening. I also volunteer with park cleanups.  I love photography which I really got into 3 years ago.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal, it would be a bird. Able to fly over lakes ,oceans, forests, mountains, traveling continents, observing.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics encourages healthy soil, plants, animals, air and people and helps to foster stronger connections between farmers and consumers. Additionally, the organic seal gives power to the people to be able to easily make informed decisions about what they eat and who they support with their purchasing power.

What is your organic background?

I first learned of organics through my coursework in Global Food Systems while pursuing my degree in International Relations at UC Davis and I was captivated by the movement ever since. I have worked in the organics industry indirectly for many years within the global coffee supply chain supporting both farmers and roasters. I received my IOIA Inspector Accreditation in the Spring of 2018 and started working as a certification specialist shortly thereafter.

What are your hobbies?

I try to be outdoors and out of cellphone range as much as I can. At home I enjoy gardening, cooking and taking advantage of the arts and music offerings around me. In general, I love to learn, be that in the form of reading, podcast listening, traveling or taking classes.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a flamingo. Aside from being equally silly and beautiful looking, they are survivalists and adaptable to many environments.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because I believe it is the only way to really be connected and aware of  what you are eating. When you buy any organic product you know that it is the cleanest product you can get and nothing but hard work, dedication and care went into growing or raising it. I have never met an organic farmer who didn’t 100% throw themselves into their operation and their products. Purchasing organic meat, dairy and produce is something you can feel good about and I feel proud to get to be a part of the organic community!

What is your organic background?

I graduated from California State University Chico in 2019 with my degree in Animal sciences with a focus on the Organic Dairy Industry. During my time at Cal State Chico I was fortunate enough to work at the University’s organic dairy. It was during these four years that my education and passion for the organic dairy industry really grew.

What are your hobbies?

I love anything outside! I have two dogs and we spend most of our time finding new hiking and walking trails. I also love cooking and playing around with new recipes. I also love reading and finding new books!

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Probably a barn kitten! I would get to spend my days napping in the sun, playing and exploring the farm. I love to be playful and spend most of my time out in the sunshine, so this would probably be a good fit!

Why is organics important to you? 

The growing interest in organics by consumers is advocating for strides to be made to take better care of our planet.  Organics is a fundamental part of that, encouraging biodiversity and an ecological balance.  This has become even more important to me since becoming a mom and realizing how important it is to watch what we feed our bodies  (of course, my daughter would live on lollipops).

What is your organic background?

I went to Northeastern University in Boston and worked for Farm Aid throughout my Co-operative education experience. I spoke regularly with farmers in need of assistance and was exposed to the daily struggles with which farmers are faced.   I worked in the organic certification industry following college, as well as in private label development for organic brands.  I am happy to be back working in the organic certification realm as I love helping clients navigate through the organic regulation.

What are your hobbies?

I have a 4 year old daughter and she is by far every minute of free time I have!  She is the best “hobby” I could ask for.  We love to explore local parks and hike to waterfalls!   On rare occasions, my non-mom interests are listening to local music (we live in Nashville) and volunteering with a local group called Petal Project .  This group arranges floral arrangements with dementia and Alzheimer residents and delivers the final arrangements to assisted living residents around Nashville.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would love to fly high above the world as a bird and take in the amazing sights – although I would probably move to Costa Rica.