An Organic Future

"After preaching about organic farming for 34 years, a local nonprofit celebrated the fruits of its labor Friday.

California Certified Organic Farmers hosted a "housewarming" party, with organic wine and ale, naturally, in the parking lot at its new larger quarters at 2155 Delaware Ave. The nonprofit, formed in 1973 by 54 growers paying $25 in dues, now certifies more than 1,600 organic farmers, processors and retailers and more than 350,000 acres.

Sentinel staff writer Jondi Gumz asked those at the event about the future of organics.

Peggy Miers, executive director of California Certified Organic Farmers: "There's explosive growth and no end in sight. We've experienced 25 percent growth in the last year, which is why we moved. Organics are only 3 percent of the market now — all I see is opportunity for the future."

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