Marin Organic
Encyclopedia
Marin Organic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association of organic producers
headquartered in Point Reyes Station, California
. Founded in 1999 with the goal of creating the first all-organic county, Marin Organic staff and board work with government officials, community groups and organizations, fellow ranch
ers and farmer
s to advance the practice of sustainable
, organic
production. The organization has become an internationally recognized model for building economically viable, community-based local food
sheds..
would undertake a process to regulate a National Organic Program
, Marin County organic farmers
met to discuss the need for stringent standards and locally responsive food systems
. Over the next eight years, as practitioners they developed a unique, place-based set of criteria as hallmarks of sustainable, local food production standards, and they cultivated a relationship with the Marin County Agricultural Commissioner's office with the aim of creating a county-based, local organic certifier.
In 1999, the local farmers and producers founded Marin Organic as a farmer-driven, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to help preserve farming as a way of life in the county. They created a forum for sharing information and best practices among members and instituted protections for Marin's wildlife
and habitat
. They advocated for the highest standards - to go beyond the national standards for organic and to include economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and social equity - the three pillars of sustainability.
In 2004, the organization was able to raise enough money through individual donations, foundation and government grants to hire a full-time executive director, development director and membership coordinator . Soon after, the Point Reyes all organic Farmer’s Market, and the Organic School Lunch program were launched. The organization's notoriety increased precipitously in November 2005, when Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Marin County as guests of Marin Organic .
At the time of Marin Organic's founding, Marin County boasted a total of 13 certified organic producers and 400 certified organic acres. Since that time, Marin Organic has led and supported educational and farmer outreach efforts directly and indirectly resulting in the certification of nearly sixty operations and conversion of more than 20000 acres (80.9 km²) from conventional agricultural production to organic production. Today, the organization's membership includes thirty-seven local, small and mid-scale organic producers. Delegates from all over the world have come to study Marin Organic as a model for sustainable, community-based agriculture .
in the USDA National Organic Program
, or at least be registered with the Agricultural Commissioner's office as an organic operation before being considered for membership to the organization. After member applicants have been certified to the national standards, they must then pass a point system unique to Marin Organic that ranks their operations in terms of local connectedness, ethical operation, environmental stewardship, and correction of problems on the farm. This peer-review set of standards surpasses the USDA regulations and ensures that Marin Organic operations are fitted to local conditions and need.
that would otherwise be left in the field, and delivers the food to public and private schools in Marin County . Gleaned food
is produce which would otherwise be left in the fields because it doesn't meet the strict aesthetic requirements of restaurants and retail markets. This can account for up to 20% of what is grown, and throughout the year. Through the Marin Organic School Lunch and Gleaning program more than 100,000 pounds of fresh, local, organic potatoes, squash, kale, spinach, arugula, lettuce, leeks, cucumbers, beets, carrots, zucchini, lemons, yogurt, milk, ice cream, meat and eggs have been added to the lunches of Marin school children. The program serves 12,000 students each week and earns local producers nearly $40,000 annually .
Twelve properties have been certified in Marin, including Star Route Farms, Blackberry Farm, Green Gulch Farm, Slide Ranch, Drake's Bay Family Farms, Paradise Valley, Fresh Run Farm, La Tercera and Commonweal Gardens . Through the program, Marin Organic offers certification to Marin producers, technical assistance to meet the strict guidelines if needed, and incentives in the form of a recognizable label which designates a product as grown with the health of local waterways and their residents in mind. The program is not just for organic producers, but any producer that uses non-toxic, integrated pest management practices .
Many individuals and groups, such as the Salmon Protection And Watershed Network (SPAWN)
, have been working for years to protect the rivers and streams of Marin County and restore riparian habitat in an effort to foster the return of the salmon to Marin County . The Salmon Safe program is a means of verifying that Marin agricultural producers are doing their part as well.
“This program demonstrates that collaborative efforts and mutual understanding can result in an improved environment, farming viability, habitat improvements, enhancement of biodiversity, and the protection of threatened and endangered species...” - Marin Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen .
Organic farming
Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm...
headquartered in Point Reyes Station, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Founded in 1999 with the goal of creating the first all-organic county, Marin Organic staff and board work with government officials, community groups and organizations, fellow ranch
Ranch
A ranch is an area of landscape, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle or sheep for meat or wool. The word most often applies to livestock-raising operations in the western United States and Canada, though...
ers and farmer
Farmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s to advance the practice of sustainable
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is the practice of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment...
, organic
Organic food
Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.For the...
production. The organization has become an internationally recognized model for building economically viable, community-based local food
Local food
Local food or the local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular...
sheds..
Mission and Goals
On its official website, Marin Organic defines its mission statement as the following:- “Marin Organic is a cooperative association of Marin County organic producers whose livelihood is based on a respect for nature and a sense of place. We understand the importance - ecological, social, and economic - of bringing the field closer to the table. Therefore, we are dedicated to continually improving our farming practices, promoting the ethical, creative, and patient enterprise of sustainable agriculture, and encouraging a preference for locally produced food.”
History
In 1990, in response to an announcement that the USDAUnited States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
would undertake a process to regulate a National Organic Program
National Organic Program
In the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
, Marin County organic farmers
Organic farming
Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm...
met to discuss the need for stringent standards and locally responsive food systems
Local food
Local food or the local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular...
. Over the next eight years, as practitioners they developed a unique, place-based set of criteria as hallmarks of sustainable, local food production standards, and they cultivated a relationship with the Marin County Agricultural Commissioner's office with the aim of creating a county-based, local organic certifier.
In 1999, the local farmers and producers founded Marin Organic as a farmer-driven, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to help preserve farming as a way of life in the county. They created a forum for sharing information and best practices among members and instituted protections for Marin's wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative....
and habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
. They advocated for the highest standards - to go beyond the national standards for organic and to include economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and social equity - the three pillars of sustainability.
In 2004, the organization was able to raise enough money through individual donations, foundation and government grants to hire a full-time executive director, development director and membership coordinator . Soon after, the Point Reyes all organic Farmer’s Market, and the Organic School Lunch program were launched. The organization's notoriety increased precipitously in November 2005, when Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Marin County as guests of Marin Organic .
At the time of Marin Organic's founding, Marin County boasted a total of 13 certified organic producers and 400 certified organic acres. Since that time, Marin Organic has led and supported educational and farmer outreach efforts directly and indirectly resulting in the certification of nearly sixty operations and conversion of more than 20000 acres (80.9 km²) from conventional agricultural production to organic production. Today, the organization's membership includes thirty-seven local, small and mid-scale organic producers. Delegates from all over the world have come to study Marin Organic as a model for sustainable, community-based agriculture .
Board of directors
As of December 2009, the Marin Organic Board of Directors are :- President: Peggy Smith, President - Cowgirl CreameryCowgirl CreameryCowgirl Creamery is a company located in Point Reyes Station, California which manufactures artisanal cheeses. Founded in 1994, the company both manufactures its own cheeses and sells other imported and domestic cheese...
- Vice President: Todd Koons - Epic Roots
- Co-Treasurer: Peter Liu - New Resource Bank
- Co-Treasurer: Kathy Yang - Consultant
- Secretary: Mark Dowie - Journalist
- Marcia Barinaga - Barinaga Ranch
- Jill Giacomini - Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
- Don Gilardi - RedHill Farms
- Kevin Lunny - Drake's Bay Family Farms
- Monica Moore - Independent Consultant
- Mark Stefanski - Marin AcademyMarin AcademyMarin Academy is a private college preparatory high school in San Rafael, California. Located on the campus that for decades housed the San Rafael Military Academy prior to its closure, MA was founded in 1971 with 16 faculty and a student body of 59.Marin Academy is one of the most competitive...
- Tom Stubbs - Stubbs Vineyards
- Sara Tashker - Green Gulch FarmGreen Gulch Farm Zen CenterGreen Gulch Farm Zen Center, or Soryu-ji is a Soto Zen practice center located near Muir Beach, California that practices in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. In addition to its Zen training program, the center also manages an organic farm and gardens...
Member Support
All members of Marin Organic must either pass third-party certificationOrganic certification
Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants.Requirements vary...
in the USDA National Organic Program
National Organic Program
In the United States, the National Organic Program is the federal regulatory framework governing organic food. It is also the name of the organization in the Department of Agriculture responsible for administering and enforcing the regulatory framework. The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 In...
, or at least be registered with the Agricultural Commissioner's office as an organic operation before being considered for membership to the organization. After member applicants have been certified to the national standards, they must then pass a point system unique to Marin Organic that ranks their operations in terms of local connectedness, ethical operation, environmental stewardship, and correction of problems on the farm. This peer-review set of standards surpasses the USDA regulations and ensures that Marin Organic operations are fitted to local conditions and need.
Marketing Assistance
- Marin Organic offers its members the following marketing and PR assistance :
-
- Sales leads, strategic alliances, use of the Marin Organic logo, a 10% discount on all farm supplies at Toby’s Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station, and a Marin Organic farm sign
- Promotion of the Marin Organic label on point of purchase signage, stall signs and banners at Farm Markets and local retail outlets
- Spreading the Marin Organic name and its message about the benefits of buying locally-grown and produced food through local and national media outlets
- Creating demand for member’s products among restaurants, grocery stores and farmers markets
- Networking and business education opportunities by connecting fellow farmers and ranchers through seminars and workshops
- Participation in community-based events to educate the public, such as Taste of Marin, Harvest Day, and many other conferences, events and gatherings
-
Supporting Business Partner Program
Marin Organic supports farmers by developing marketing campaigns that promote local, organic agriculture, creating a brand identity through the Marin Organic logo, developing relationships with local stores and restaurants and creating opportunities for businesses to meet local producers. Marin Organic also hosts a range of community events to highlight local producers and encourage media coverage of Marin's agricultural community. Though the Supporting Business Program, businesses make a commitment to buy from local producers whenever possible and in exchange receive a large sign, are highlighted on the organization's website, and receive the producer member marketing benefits..Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program
Once a week Marin Organic visits member farms, gleans produceProduce
Produce is a generalized term for a group of farm-produced goods and, not limited to fruits and vegetables . More specifically, the term "produce" often implies that the products are fresh and generally in the same state as where they were harvested. In supermarkets the term is also used to refer...
that would otherwise be left in the field, and delivers the food to public and private schools in Marin County . Gleaned food
Gleaning
Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest...
is produce which would otherwise be left in the fields because it doesn't meet the strict aesthetic requirements of restaurants and retail markets. This can account for up to 20% of what is grown, and throughout the year. Through the Marin Organic School Lunch and Gleaning program more than 100,000 pounds of fresh, local, organic potatoes, squash, kale, spinach, arugula, lettuce, leeks, cucumbers, beets, carrots, zucchini, lemons, yogurt, milk, ice cream, meat and eggs have been added to the lunches of Marin school children. The program serves 12,000 students each week and earns local producers nearly $40,000 annually .
Point Reyes Farmers Market
One of Marin Organic's first initiatives was to become the fiscal sponsor of the Point Reyes Farmers Market. Located in Point Reyes Station, the Point Reyes Farmers Market is the only market in the greater San Francisco Bay area to feature only locally grown, organic produce. Marin Organic serves as the market's fiscal sponsor and has helped to build the market into one of the most popular community meeting places and market outlets in the region . The market hosted 21 farmers and vendors in 2009 and hosted several speaking and tasting events featuring local authors, chefs and musicians.Salmon Safe Certification
In 2007, Marin Organic launched its newest program Salmon Safe – a certification program designed to verify local producers’ environmental stewardship of waterways and riparian habitats. The program is the result of a partnership between Marin Organic and Salmon Safe Oregon, in collaboration with the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin .Twelve properties have been certified in Marin, including Star Route Farms, Blackberry Farm, Green Gulch Farm, Slide Ranch, Drake's Bay Family Farms, Paradise Valley, Fresh Run Farm, La Tercera and Commonweal Gardens . Through the program, Marin Organic offers certification to Marin producers, technical assistance to meet the strict guidelines if needed, and incentives in the form of a recognizable label which designates a product as grown with the health of local waterways and their residents in mind. The program is not just for organic producers, but any producer that uses non-toxic, integrated pest management practices .
Many individuals and groups, such as the Salmon Protection And Watershed Network (SPAWN)
SPAWN (Salmon Protection and Watershed Network)
SPAWN, the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, is a project of the Turtle Island Restoration Network , a United States 501 nonprofit environmental organization....
, have been working for years to protect the rivers and streams of Marin County and restore riparian habitat in an effort to foster the return of the salmon to Marin County . The Salmon Safe program is a means of verifying that Marin agricultural producers are doing their part as well.
“This program demonstrates that collaborative efforts and mutual understanding can result in an improved environment, farming viability, habitat improvements, enhancement of biodiversity, and the protection of threatened and endangered species...” - Marin Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen .