I have been at IAFP this week and learned of the tragic passing of someone I have called a friend. I first met Will on the opposite side of a terrible E. coli outbreak and tragedy.
I grew to respect his kindness, humanity and integrity. Thanks to CCOF for posting this. The CCOF community is saddened by news of the passing of Will Daniels, a champion of the organic movement whose passion, vision, and leadership inspired many people in the field of organic agriculture.
Will served for 13 years on the CCOF Board from 2001–2014, which included the role of board chair. John Foster, former director of supply chain strategy at Earthbound Farm (a position Will recruited John into), recalls his time working with Will. “Will was one of the key people who navigated the survival and resurgence of Earthbound Farm after the E.
coli outbreak in 2006. If it weren’t for that team, Will included, Earthbound Farm wouldn’t have re-emerged. Most companies who have a food safety problem with that kind of national prominence wouldn’t survive it.
Will was one of the reasons it did.” Will was instrumental in the development of the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA), which emerged after the spinach outbreak as the current standard for leafy greens food safety. Will’s involvement in the LGMA took food safety for the fresh cut produce industry to a new level.
“Will took a scientific but humane approach to problems,” John recalls. “He held a steadfast dedication to the use of tes.
