Wolf, DiMatteo + Associates: Our Services

ORGANIC STRATEGIES
Organic Regulations, Domestic and Global
Organic Certification
Ingredient Sourcing and Supply Chain Security
Organic Farming Methods

STRATEGIC ADVICE & EDUCATION
Seminars and Training Programs
Organic Business Strategy
Networking: Locally, Regionally & Worldwide
Developing Financing Strategies to March Your Company’s Mission

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES
Agriculture in Local Communities
Social Responsibility Measurements

ORGANIC STRATEGIES

Organic Regulations, Domestic and Global

Organic production is now regulated by national governments throughout the world. These regulations, as well as national and international agricultural policies and trade agreements are constantly changing. Your business decisions and success depend on having the most up-to-date information on the regulations in the countries where you grow, process or sell organic products. The partners at WD+A have been involved in the development or analysis of both domestic and international organic regulations. We understand U.S., EU, Japan, Canada, IFOAM regulations and differences. We can provide you with the information you need whether that is a basic overview, in-depth reports or specific strategic advice. Our services include technical assistance with regulatory hurdles, for example completion of petitions for the addition or removal of materials from the US National Organic Program National List, and representing and tracking your interests in regulatory and legislative actions.

Organic Certification

WD+A helps producers (crops and livestock), processors, handlers and distributors obtain organic certification. Organic certification rules are not that easy to understand. We help make the process easier with professional education, support, and training whether you need certification to U.S., E.U., or other standards. We know the USDA’s comprehensive National Organic Program (NOP) as well as the rules around the world.

We begin by examining your existing policies, systems, and procedures in order to build your Organic System Plan. A pre-inspection is conducted at the farm or facility to review and incorporate pest control, sanitation, training, and record keeping systems that meet USDA NOP standards. Depending upon your needs, WD+A will help you complete an application for certification and attend the facility inspection. When all is said and done, your farm or company will have a complete and reliable Organic System Plan from which to build upon year-after-year.

“The (organic certification) journey has been long and arduous, but the path was greatly simplified by our consultancy with your firm. We look forward to working together again soon.” - J. Hilliard Shackford, Special Projects Director, Garden Fresh Salsa, Inc.

Ingredient Sourcing and Supply Chain Security

Double-digit annual growth is creating a lot of pressure on the supply and demand for organic ingredients. And with no organic commodity or futures market to rely on, you can’t afford to have shortages. We develop supply chain planning systems to assure reliable security for your products and business. We can help locate ingredients and can help you establish long-term ties directly with growers, processors and co-packers.

“The expertise provided by Wolf, DiMatteo + Associates has been instrumental to our success as an organic snack brand. They provide a wealth of information on a variety of topics related to my organic business including certification, ingredient sourcing and policy implications. Having them available as a resource has saved me time and money. I can’t imagine doing what I’ m doing without Wolf, DiMatteo +Associates.” - Nicole Bernard Dawes, President, COO, Late July Organic Snacks

Organic Farming Methods

We bring a wholistic systems analysis to help improve pest control and soil systems. Healthy soil is the key to successful organic farming- therefore soil improvement is at the heart of organic and sustainable farming systems. WD+A works with farmers and growers to improve the health of their soils and address pest problems by recommending crop rotations, supplemental fertility practices, cover crops, tillage practices, and disease control. Bill Wolf lectures and teaches nationally about organic methods and standards and wrote the soil improvement and fertilizing section for one of Rodale’s most comprehensive books on non-chemical methods. WD+A have assisted growers around the world. Recent and current projects with growers include lavender in Washington, strawberries in California, mixed vegetables in South Carolina, dairy in New York and beef production in Virginia.

“We hired Bill Wolf in 1985 to take a fresh look at the whole production system from tillage and fertility to pest management. Bill helped educate me about organics. For the first time I felt there was clear direction and excellent support people to help me figure it out. We are closer to reaching our goals each season and are learning more about sustainable systems every day. Bill Wolf has been invaluable as a consultant on this new way of doing things.” - Tom Driscoll, Past Chairman, Driscoll Strawberry Associates

STRATEGIC ADVICE & EDUCATION

Seminars and Training Programs

A series of training modules are available from WD+A that will inform you, your staff, clients, investors and customers on topics such as “What Organic Means”, “Size and Scope of the Organic Market”, “USDA NOP Compliance”, “The Organic Consumer”, “Supply Chain Security- Different Approaches to Contracts and Relationship Building”, “Organic Export or Import” “The Benefits of Organic” and “Building an Organic Systems Plan.” WD+A can customize all of our modules and will also create specific, unique training programs and seminars for you. Our associates have presented to diverse audiences and businesses worldwide and have developed and organized conferences, discussion groups and workshops to educate, inform and inspire.

“Katherine, I wanted to thank you for being a part of this year's classes at Integrative Nutrition. You provided such a valuable addition to the curriculum. It's very inspiring to see how many dynamic people are taking this on, and I am very grateful for your thorough information on the issues surrounding organic agriculture.” - Chloe Grey, Education Coordinator

Organic Business Strategy

You have an idea, a service or a new product. Is there a market? What is the best way to position and distribute it? Who is the competition? What are the obstacles? We know organic and can help you stay out of the ditches – avoid costly errors, design an effective strategy and get you where you want to be. We can help focus on your unique strengths and how to position them.

“Wolf & Associates provided consulting and support services to QAI for over seven years from 1996 to 2003. Their work was excellent. Wolf & Associates delivered professional help and advice that was essential to the positioning and success of QAI as the leading organic certifier in the U.S. During his service to QAI, Bill and his firm committed every resource necessary to make QAI a success. I would recommend Wolf & Associates’ services whenever you need consulting help.” - Joe Smillie,Senior Vice President, QAI

Networking: Locally, Regionally & Worldwide

WD+A can facilitate and assist you in identifying and developing key contacts and opportunities in the organic business community. We can represent your business interests in negotiations and meetings, and at events and trade shows. In addition, we can provide recommendations on services and vendors that match your needs and requirements. WD+A can identify projects, organizations and campaigns to support for the advancement of their missions and your values.

Developing Financing Strategies To Match Your Company’s Mission

Most organic businesses need external funding to succeed. Money is needed for growth, inventory, R&D, equipment, and other business essentials. The source of the funds can affect mission, direction, and culture. In the dynamic growth environment of the organic foods industry, many entrepreneurs are seeking financing through organizations that share their values and understand the industry's potential and challenges. WD+A can help you plan your company's growth with recommendations for innovative new options and guidelines for appropriate choices for long-term success.

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

Agriculture in Local Communities

Benefits of Farms in Communities

Throughout the country there is a growing trend of integrating farming and food production into sustainably developed communities. WD+A works with developers, architects, farmers and planners to creatively implement options to incorporate farms into residential and mixed use developments. WD+A can help determine economically viable farming options to both increase the sustainability of the planned development and enhance its market appeal. Our services include site assessment, financial analysis, soil improvement plans, ownership and lease structures, crop recommendations, farm budgets, and organic system plans. As part of this service WD+A can assist developers and local jurisdictions in meeting the criteria for the new LEED for Neighborhood Development program.

Social Responsibility Measurements

As the public becomes more concerned and educated about environmental and social issues, businesses are responding by obtaining sustainability certifications and seals for products and business practices. There are currently many different certifications and seals including sustainably harvested wood, fair trade coffees, “green” floor coverings, “sustainable” seafood, food safety, organizational management practices and many others. WD+A can work with you to determine if a certification or sustainability assessment can help your business and how to obtain it. Whether you want to implement an internal continuous improvement program or get certified to a specific standard, we can help.