About OTA

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands. retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members.

OTA’s member organic businesses work together through networking, advocacy, and other initiatives to encourage and protect organic farming practices and to share messages about the positive environmental and nutritional attributes of organic products with consumers, the media and policymakers.

Mission

Grow and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.

Vision

Our vision is a world where ORGANIC is the foundation of agriculture resulting in a healthy and resilient future for all people, animals, businesses and the planet.

We, as members of OTA

Have established organic trade on a foundation of common organic standards
Work in harmony with the environment, promoting sustainability
Recognize the need for organic agriculture to be economically viable
Work to protect the diversity of life
Recognize the interdependence of all parts of the organic community
Understand that organic farms are the foundation of the organic industry
Seek out and use whole system approaches to agricultural and business practices
Support the human right to knowledge and choice in the marketplace

- OTA Core Values Statement

Like all trade associations, the Organic Trade Association Bylaws are the “guidelines” the board and staff use to run the organization.

OTA's Bylaws have essentially been in place since the Association's establishment 40 years ago. Changes in the Bylaws have taken place over the years to reflect our growing industry and to meet evolving legal requirements. The OTA Board, after careful consideration may recommend to the membership that certain changes be made from time to time and will submit a motion for a change to the entire membership for a vote. Please take the time to review the Bylaws of your trade association.

Organic Trade Association Bylaws (revised December 2022)