About CORA

The Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) a powerful coalition of farmers, businesses, organizations, and activists advocating for progressive programs and policies in support of organic and regenerative agriculture in Washington State.

CORA’s Mission

The Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) supports the broad adoption of organic and regenerative practices by producers and gardeners of all types at all scales throughout Washington State. We advocate for policies and programs that support research, generate educational opportunities, expand resources and build markets.

How CORA Works

We are a membership organization overseen by an 11-member governing council that supports the broad adoption of organic and regenerative practices by producers throughout Washington State. We are committed to creating an advocacy platform that is a unifying force bringing together the multiple interests within the organic and regenerative community.

Tilth Alliance serves as the fiscal sponsor and administrative coordinator of CORA.

CORA’s Advocacy Priorities

Organic Markets Grow the market and increase access to organic by:

• Increasing funding for purchase of certified organic food through the WSDA Farm-to-School program.
• Incentivizing the purchase of organic and regeneratively produced food within hospitals, prisons and other publicly funded institutions.
• Expanding education programs on the nutritional, health and environmental benefits of regeneratively and organically grown foods.
• Prioritizing organic and verified regenerative focused funding and education for marginalized communities.

Organic Support (Integrity and Infrastructure) Create a robust support network across Washington for transitioning and certified organic producers by:

• Establishing permanent organic research and extension faculty at WSU to support organic and verified regenerative farmers and transitioning farmers.
• Supporting passage of anticipated Washington Cost Share Credit legislation.
• Building legislative alliances/developing legislation for Organic Action/Transition Plan in Washington:  e.g., Farm-to-Fork/EU Organic Action Plan, Oregon Organic Action Plan, California Organic Transition Plan, etc.

Organic as a Climate Solution Elevate organic and verified regenerative practices as climate change solutions, including:

• Securing legislative support and appropriations for an organic impact assessment on climate and communities.
• Continuing support for WSU/WSDA/Washington State Conservation Commission Soil Health Initiative and Sustainable Farm & Fields.
• Ensuring recognition of organic practices within carbon market benefits.

Inclusive Organic Apply an equity lens to all of our advocacy initiatives to ensure that low income and overburdened communities with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are included and prioritized.

CORA’s Leadership

CORA is led by a governing council composed of farmers and folks working in the regional food system, who are also members of the coalition. The governing council works in collaboration with CORA membership to:

• establish CORA’s goals, objectives, and strategic priorities
• develop an annual advocacy agenda and policy platform
• provide direction and oversight to a CORA project manager
• represent CORA at press conferences, public hearings and in meetings with policy makers
• serve as spokespersons and ambassadors for CORA
• cultivate relationships with key policy makers
• help recruit new members
• assist with fundraising

CORA’s Governing Council

Contact Us

Please email any follow-up questions about CORA and becoming a member to Joe Crumbley, CORA Program Manager.