GrubMarket, a leading online marketplace for local farm goods, announced a multi-year partnership today with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and certifying organic farming. The partnership is a strategic move under GrubMarket’s Sustainable California initiative, which focuses on supporting socially disadvantaged farmers in the state. The new alliance aims to sponsor cohorts of farmers from underserved communities, helping them secure organic certification, adopt organic farming practices, and move towards long-term sustainability.
GrubMarket’s financial and technical assistance will level the playing field for farmers lacking the financial resources to pursue organic certification independently. Not only will this partnership promote equity within the farming community, but it also aims to help farmers increase their revenue, enhance product quality, and bolster environmental stewardship.
Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, spoke about the partnership and its goals. “We know the hurdles socially disadvantaged farmers encounter when accessing vital resources. Less than 5% of California’s cropland is organic, and nationally the figure is even lower. We are committed to changing that. Our alliance with CCOF aligns with our mission to build a sustainable and equitable food ecosystem, and we are enthusiastic about aiding the transition process for those farmers who need our support.”
CCOF has been a national front-runner in organic certification, serving the community for over 40 years. As part of this partnership, CCOF will identify eligible farmers, offer mentorship and technical guidance throughout the certification process, ensure organic standards compliance, and provide financial support for farmers transitioning to organic production.
Jessy Beckett Parr, Chief Programs Officer at CCOF, expressed her support for the collaboration. “We are thrilled to join forces with GrubMarket in supporting socially disadvantaged farmers in California. Today, less than 1% of America’s farmland is organic, and transitioning land to organic production is daunting. Working with GrubMarket will allow us to remove financial barriers, opening doors to premium markets and establishing a pathway to financial stability for these farmers.”
As GrubMarket continues to grow its business and refine its technologies, the company remains committed to ensuring a sustainable future for California’s agricultural ecosystem. Its effort to sponsor organic certification for socially disadvantaged farmers represents a significant step towards establishing a positive, long-lasting change within the agricultural community. The move will also offer consumers increased access to high-quality, sustainably grown organic produce.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
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