Kelly Damewood

CEO @CCOF

Santa Cruz, CA, US

As the CEO of the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), Kelly Damewood leads a team of 100+ staff, committed to advancing organic agriculture for a healthy world by advocating on behalf of the organization’s members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm. CCOF includes three legally distinct entities: CCOF, Inc. is a 501 (c)(5) nonprofit governed by a board of directors made up of organic producers. CCOF, Inc provides infrastructure for CCOF’s certification, advocacy, and Foundation programs as well as a regional chapter system for its members. CCOF Certification Services, LLC, governed by the LLC management committee, is a USDA National Organic Program (NOP)-accredited organic certification agency that certifies over members in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The CCOF Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that includes educational programs for current and prospective organic farmers.