CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)
By California Certified Organic Farmers
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to CCOF organic dairy certification including USDA organic, grass-fed add-on, costs, and West Coast expertise. Learn about CCOF's...
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) was founded in 1973 and has grown to become the largest organic certifier in the western United States. As one of the oldest USDA-accredited certifying agents, CCOF brings nearly 50 years of organic expertise to dairy certification.
CCOF's organic dairy certification follows USDA National Organic Program standards with particular expertise in California's unique regulatory environment. California has additional state organic requirements, and CCOF navigates both federal and state compliance. Their experience includes operations from small family dairies to some of the nation's largest organic dairy farms.
Beyond core organic certification, CCOF offers the OPT (Organic Plus Trust) Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program as an add-on certification. This program, developed with Organic Valley and Maple Hill Creamery, certifies 100% forage-based diet in addition to organic standards.
CCOF is also known for advocacy and education. As a nonprofit, they support organic policy development, provide educational resources for transitioning operations, and foster community among organic producers through events and networking. Their Foundation offers grants and educational programs for the organic community.
Key Features
- USDA Organic Dairy Certification: Full accreditation as USDA certifying agent. NOP standards compliance. Annual inspections by experienced dairy inspectors.
- California Regulatory Expertise: Navigate California's additional state organic requirements. Understanding of CDFA (California Dept. of Food and Agriculture) regulations.
- Large-Scale Dairy Experience: One of few certifiers experienced with 1,000+ cow organic dairies. Understands large operation logistics, documentation, and compliance.
- OPT Grass-Fed Add-On: 100% forage-based diet certification through Organic Plus Trust program. Combined with organic inspection. Recognized by major processors.
- Transition Support: Extensive resources for conventional-to-organic transition. Guidance on timeline, inputs, documentation. Educational workshops.
- Member Services: Nonprofit structure with member benefits. Advocacy for organic policy. Community events and networking.
Advanced Features
- California Organic Program Coordination: Understanding of California's state organic registration requirements. Dual compliance management. CDFA relationship.
- Water and Environmental Compliance: California dairies face unique water quality and environmental regulations. CCOF inspectors understand these intersections.
- Export Certification: Documentation for organic dairy exports. Understanding of equivalency agreements. International market access.
- Multi-Site Certification: Experience with multi-location dairy operations. Coordinated inspection scheduling. Consolidated documentation.
- CCOF Foundation Grants: Educational grants and programs through CCOF Foundation. Transition assistance. Research funding.
- Advocacy and Policy Work: Active in organic policy at state and federal levels. Member voice in regulatory development.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Organic dairy, Grass-fed organic dairy, Large-scale organic dairies, Small family organic farms, Transitioning conventional dairies
Competitive Advantages
What sets CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) apart from alternatives:
- Largest organic certifier in western U.S.
- Nearly 50 years of organic certification experience
- Deep expertise in California dairy regulations
- Experience with large-scale organic dairies (1,000+ cows)
- OPT Grass-Fed add-on certification available
- Strong advocacy for organic policy
- CCOF Foundation educational resources
- Nonprofit structure focused on organic community
- Member networking and events
- Western climate and grazing expertise
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers):
CCOF uses tiered pricing based on gross organic sales. Inspection fees additional. OCCSP cost-share available for reimbursement.
Pricing Model: Annual certification fees based on gross sales
Contact CCOF for detailed quote based on your operation. Large dairy operations should expect multi-day inspections.
Pros & Considerations
- Established organic certifier since 1973
- Strong presence in California
- Full organic certification services
- Education and support for transitioning farms
- Respected certification mark
- Certification fees and annual audits
- Organic transition requires 3 years
- Must meet all USDA organic requirements
- Regional focus primarily in West
Implementation & Setup
How to implement CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Organic: 36 months for land, 12 months for animals. Application to certification: 60-90 days depending on complexity.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers):
- Does CCOF serve my geographic area?
- Do I need expertise in California-specific regulations?
- Is my operation large enough to benefit from CCOF's scale experience?
- Am I interested in grass-fed add-on certification?
- Would CCOF membership benefits add value beyond certification?