CCOF plans annual conference

Organic Generation — The Next Era is the theme of the annual meeting and conference of Santa Cruz-based California Certified Organic Farmers, set for Fresno, Calif., on Feb. 26-27.

The event will focus on the next era of growth for organic and future generations of organic producers and consumers, according to a news release.

The conference will look at questions such as: Who will be the organic producers and consumers of the future? What opportunities lie ahead for organic? And how will the organic industry adapt to embrace new technologies, skills and markets?

The evening before the conference, attendees will celebrate this year’s Organic Champion awardee — Organic Valley’s Farmers Advocating for Organic — during a festive meal.

Also at the dinner, members and guests will honor CCOF’s retiring CEO Cathy Calfo by celebrating her success in relaunching the CCOF Foundation and her nearly decade-long commitment to the organization.

Keynote speaker will be the chef, author and food activist Alice Waters.

Waters, founder and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, Calif., was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.

The conference benefits the programs of the CCOF Foundation, the release said.

Education sessions include:

• The True Cost of Food: Organic Is Your Best Health Care Plan;
• Organic Generations and the Coming Years;
• Maintaining a Strong Labor Force for Organic Agriculture; and
• Maximizing the Potential for Organic Soil Health Standards and Practices.

For information, visit ccof.org/2019-event.