Organic farming is a way of growing that uses fertilizers, pesticides and other crop inputs that are naturally occurring. Organic producers are not allowed to use synthetic compounds. To be certified as organic, we must be inspected by an organization accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the standards created by its National Organic Program (NOP).
Duncan Family Farms® is certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), one of the oldest and most trusted organic certification services in the world. The first fields of our farm have been certified organic since 1994. The certification process is quite extensive and requires us to annually submit an organic system plan and participate in inspections and audits of all of our farm fields and facilities. Inspectors verify that we are following all organic practices and are keeping thorough and accurate records to document these practices.
In spite of its challenges, we enjoy farming organically and it has taught us to be better growers and better stewards of the environment. We welcome both the opportunities and the challenges that farming without synthetic chemicals presents. While we may not always succeed in certain endeavors, we always learn and move forward.
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
CCOF is a full-service organic certification agency and trade association passionate about being the leading voice for organic, and certifying, educating, advocating, and promoting organic. CCOF Certification Services is accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under National Organic Program (NOP) standards.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Organic Program
Enhancing food safety by taking steps to reduce the prevalence of food borne hazards from farm to table is one of the many key activities of the USDA.
Arizona Leafy Green Products Shipper Marketing Agreement (AZ LGMA)
The AZ LGMA was established in 2007 and represents an industry-wide commitment to food safety. Members of the AZ LGMA are working collaboratively to protect public health by reducing potential sources of contamination in Arizona-grown leafy greens. The program is designed to foster consumer confidence in Arizona leafy greens through mandatory food safety standards and audits by government-certified inspectors.