Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PCO

At PCO, we recognize the impacts of systemic racism and oppression in our global food system. We understand that our work is directly linked to people, the planet, and systems that perpetuate disparity. Given PCO’s role as an organic certifier within the larger agricultural system, we are committed to supporting and advancing just relationships with each other and the environment. PCO is committed to building our allyship for a world where certified organic agriculture is part of the solution. We are working toward a healthy environment and equitable food system for all and by all.

PCO’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is reflected in our Core Values:

• Inclusion: We keep people at the center of every action, interaction, and decision. We will look to amplify voices that have been silenced and to organizations of Color for their expertise.
• Equity: We promote restorative practices that improve the world for future generations, with equity for all involved in the food production systems provided by our environment.
• Diversity: We embrace transparency and integrity in all our work. We recognize we have work to do so that our staff, clients, and stakeholders represent the diversity of the communities we serve, now and in the future.

Toward these commitments, PCO currently plans to:

• Undergo robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training that will continue to evolve as PCO staff and the organization embark on this journey.
• Examine our practices and how we deliver our services to ensure our assumptions, goals, and commitments are not in conflict with our mission of contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organic future.
• Partner with stakeholders to increase access to the organic marketplace to allow for business opportunities, job & training opportunities, and organic food for all.

Our purpose statement reinforces the decisions and actions for our journey ahead. Just as the organic movement was born of shared understandings and relationships amongst those committed to a vision, PCO will need the input and support of many diverse voices to make meaningful impacts toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future. As we continue to examine our role, we invite you to hold us accountable to our purpose and commitment through our decisions and actions. Organic is more than a set of standards. We see the organic movement as a web of relationships. Thank you for being a part of that relationship.

After the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Dreasjon Reed, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and David McAtee and subsequent protests, we stand in solidarity with those calling for racial justice.

PCO’s vision is that all communities are enriched through organic food and farming, and yet we will not be able to fulfill this vision with systemic racism ever-present in our society and our work in agriculture and food systems.

As an organization comprised predominately of white people, PCO must take time to listen and learn about how we’ve contributed to—and benefitted from—these inequities and how we can work together to eliminate them. We are in the beginning stages of a learning process, and PCO is seeking guidance so that we can effectively take the most important step—action. Moving forward, our work will be to develop and embody our organization’s commitment to racial justice.

Below we link to some organizations doing meaningful and courageous work, and from which we can learn about inequities and racial injustice in the food system. We invite you to support them and to share additional resources.