About Us
In 1990, organic growing methods were dismissed by many as a passing fad, championed by a small group of aging hippies. But Tim Stemwedel saw something different. Starting his agronomic career as a Pest Control Advisor in the Imperial and Yuma Valleys, he understood that organic farming was more than a trend—it was the future.
Tim Stemwedel
Founder , CEO
"The products Tim developed in 1990 have become industry staples."
As an entomologist, Tim witnessed the limits of conventional methods: insects quickly developed resistance to pesticides, soils lost their vitality, and crops continued to suffer despite repeated chemical treatments. He even faced health effects from walking through sprayed fields. It became clear that a fundamental change was needed. Over the next decade, Tim immersed himself in soil fertility and organic practices, developing inputs that were efficient, easy to apply, and that enhanced both crop health and yield.
When he first approached a conventional dealer with COFI products, the dealer laughed so hard he could barely speak. Undeterred, Tim loaded his pickup each day and drove straight to farms, offering the product for sale or trial. Farmers’ willingness to take a chance on the unknown laid the foundation for a business that would transform agriculture. Many of those early farmers remain loyal customers today.
Believers
We believe organic farming strengthens both the environment and the soil, capturing carbon and promoting long-term soil health. Our fertilizers are designed to provide the highest plant-available nitrogen, reduce nitrogen loss, and offer farmers the most cost-effective results.
Problem Solvers
Our mission is to remove barriers to farm success. We provide fertilizers that are simple to apply, precisely balanced to match plant requirements, and made with locally sourced materials, ensuring consistent supply and lower transportation costs.
Innovators
At COFI, we develop products that solve real-world crop fertility problems. Our proprietary solutions target the toughest challenges: nitrogen shortages at critical growth stages, weak soil biology, and the negative effects of over-fertilization.
What We Do
Our focus is on results and the success of our growers. We listen closely to their needs and provide solutions that are practical, timely, and effective. Our proprietary products deliver high plant-available nitrogen, made from carefully vetted raw materials that meet National Organic Program standards. Whenever possible, we source locally to ensure a stable supply while minimizing environmental impact, and we never use materials harvested in ways that harm the environment.
Integrity
Our business is guided by the well-being of our employees, communities, and the environment. Integrity is at the core of everything we do—it’s why employees stay with us, farmers trust us, and suppliers partner with us. By consistently doing the right thing, we assure growers, dealers, suppliers, and stakeholders that our results are earned honestly and that illegal or unethical behavior has no place in our operations.
Respect
We respect the planet by conducting business in environmentally responsible ways, sourcing raw materials locally whenever possible. Strong, respectful relationships with employees, growers, dealers, and suppliers are vital to our success, and we always weigh the effects of our decisions on those around us.
