OFRF COUNTS 7,800 CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS IN U.S.

May 9, 2001

CONTACT: BOB SCOWCROFT
MELISSA MATTHEWSON
(831) 426-6606

The Organic Farming Research Foundation announced today the results of its annual count of the nation's certified organic farmers. As of January 1, 2001 there were 7,800 certified organic farmers in the U.S. This figure represents an 18% increase in the number of certified organic growers over the 1999 total of 6,600.

For this year's update of its National Organic Certifiers Directory, OFRF asked all 89 U.S. organic certification agencies how many farmers they currently certify for organic production. Five certifiers failed to report the number of growers they certify.

OFRF maintains the National Organic Certifiers Directory as part of its efforts to maintain direct contact with organic farmers for the purposes of research and education. Certifying agencies provide verification that growers, processors and handlers are complying with organic standards. Generally, these organizations certify within their own state or region, but a few provide services internationally. Fifty-eight certifying agencies and their chapters are listed in the directory.

The Organic Farming Research Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt foundation directed by certified organic farmers. OFRF's purpose is to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices. We sponsor research related to organic farming; disseminate research result to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems; and educate the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.

The National Organic Certifiers Directory is available on the OFRF website at: http://www.ofrf.org/publications/certifier.html.

To receive a copy of the directory by mail, please contact OFRF at P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA, 95061; (831) 426-6606; research@ofrf.org.