Organic Industry Event

Nov. 24–Nov. 25

Iowa City, IA

The country’s largest university-sponsored organic conference will return Nov. 25 to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A joint effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Iowa, the conference will feature producers and experts from across the country sharing tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.

This year’s theme is “Organic Agriculture: Economic Opportunities and Climate-Smart Systems,” featuring keynote speaker Thelma Velez, research and education program director, Organic Farming Research Foundation. Velez will speak on how OFRF surveys organic farmers on their research and education needs and how they work to have their voices heard through various outlets, including the Farm Bill.

December 3, 2024

Story City, IA 

Each year, Iowa's organic community gathers to celebrate the growing organic movement in Iowa with presentations that highlight new and emerging issues within the organic industry. The Annual Meeting also features a uniquely-curated dinner and networking with presenters, exhibitors, and other Iowa Organic Association members.

This year's focus will be the exciting relationship between Organic and Regenerative, and the impact this has on building healthy soils, protecting biodiversity, and supporting the climate through farming practices.

November 30 - December 4 Taiwan

The registration for the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organic World Congress (OWC) 2024 is now open. The 21st Congress will be held from November 30 to December 4 as an in-person event in Taiwan. It is organized in collaboration with their main OWC partner and IFOAM member, the Sustainability Centre of Nanhua University, other IFOAM members and local partners. This congress is your gateway to discovering cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and the latest trends in organic farming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate newcomer, OWC 2024 offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in the vibrant field of organic agriculture.

General Assembly: Every three years, members of IFOAM - Organics International come together for the General Assembly (GA). This typically occurs following the Organic World Congress (OWC). During the GA, you can witness the democratic and participatory nature of our organisation in action. The next GA is scheduled to take place on December 5-6, immediately following the Organic World Congress in Taiwan.

Dr. Amber Sciligo, The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs will be a speaker for the following sessions and workshop:

• Cultivating Organic Solutions for True Sustainability: December 2 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The opening plenary sets the scene for Cultivating Organic Solutions for True Sustainability. Allies in the movement for food systems change will share learning and insights and hold a discussion about accelerating transformation through shared purpose, partnership and valuing diversity.

• Harvesting Knowledge: A Collective Exploration with Farmers and Scientists: December 3 | 9:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. A dynamic plenary session where farmers and scientists come together to share their expertise and experiences in organic agriculture. Through a collective exploration of successes, challenges, and innovations, we will harvest knowledge and insights from the field and the lab, and explore ways to bridge the gap between research and practice. This session will foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives and set the stage for continued knowledge sharing and learning throughout the congress.

• Workshop: TIPI Review of Ecological Organic Action Research Findings in the Developing World: December 3 | Time TBA A dynamic plenary session where farmers and scientists come together to share their expertise and experiences in organic agriculture. Through a collective exploration of successes, challenges, and innovations, we will harvest knowledge and insights from the field and the lab, and explore ways to bridge the gap between research and practice. This session will foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives and set the stage for continued knowledge sharing and learning throughout the congress.

• World Board Election: Dr. Sciligo is also a World Board 2024-2027 candidate! The World Board candidate elections are a pivotal process within IFOAM - Organics International, aimed at selecting the leadership that will guide the organization. The World Board is responsible for strategic decision-making and ensuring that IFOAM's mission and objectives are effectively pursued. Candidates for the World Board are nominated from within the membership and are individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of organic agriculture and sustainable development. Click here for an overview of World Board candidates.

Matthew Dillon, the Organic Trade Association's Co-CEO will be speaking during the Multiple Pathways to Market Success: Retail, Community Supported Agriculture, PGS and Public Procurement session. 

• About the session: Organic farmers & enterprises need new and fair market opportunities in order to survive and thrive. In this plenary, leading voices will share pathways, lessons and barriers for market success in retail, public procurement, Customer Supported Agriculture and PGS for small holders.

Click here to learn more about their sessions. Click here for detailed program information.

October 19, 2024

Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Washington, D.C.

The Organic Center has been invited to attend the School Supported Agriculture Luncheon as part of the Smithsonian Food History Weekend. School Supported Agriculture's goal is to build a global movement where all public schools and universities buy their food directly from local, regenerative organic farmers, ranchers, and food purveyors. They believe this dramatic shift in procurement is an effective and immediate way to mitigate climate change, address children's health, educate out next generation, and bring our communities together.

December 10-13, 2025

Hyatt Regency Orlando | Orlando, FL

The Field Crop Seed Convention (FCSC) convenes industry professionals involved in the production of seed used for food, feed, fiber and fuel. Bringing together over a thousand individuals annually, the FCSC continues to be the largest seed industry networking event in the United States, offering trade show exhibit opportunities and educational/policy content to attendees.

OTA Sr. Director of Regulatory Scott Rice will be presenting on seed-related issues, market data and opportunities, and the big picture on domestic and global trade & regulatory issues. 

January 22-23, 2025
San Francisco, CA

The Sustainable Foods Summit will delve into sustainability schemes, regenerative agriculture, and ecological & packaging impacts. What is the future of third party sustainability schemes? What can be done to raise adoption rates of regenerative agriculture? How are operators measuring and reducing their ecological impacts? How are new technologies creating sustainable ingredients? What green packaging innovations are occurring? Such questions will be addressed in this 15th North American edition, hosted in San Francisco on 22-23rd January 2025. 

OTA Co-CEO Tom Chapman will be speaking during the event:

Session 4: Sustainability Schemes  This session gives an update on sustainability schemes, focusing on prominent third party standards and eco-labels.

• Thursday January 23, 2025 | 2:50pm PT – 3:15pm PT
• Topic: Consumer Trends on Organic Foods 

November 15-17, 2024

Montogomery, AL

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Tuskegee University, Clif Bar and The Organic Center are collaborating to host an in-person convening event titled Cultivating the Future of Organic Agriculture in the Southeastern US: How Advancing Equity and Inclusion will Strengthen the Organic Movement. The convening will focus on bringing together stakeholders from across the Southeast. The goal is to create a dynamic space for discussion among organic and organic-aligned producers and researchers at 1890s universities, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organic farming communities, farmer groups and other federal and non-federal partners. The event will be held in conjunction with the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in Montgomery, Alabama on November 15-17, 2024. There will be multiple panel discussions with producers as well as non-profits and government representatives, followed by breakout groups to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities for BIPOC growers in the organic space. The in-person convening builds upon the outcomes of the December 2023 virtual event, which identified the following barriers and opportunities unique to the Southeast that are discussed in more detail in the convening report:

• The role of consumer education and market development
• The need for increased communication, education and outreach
• The need for cultural competence
• The need for resources and research funding to address challenges

There will be an optional Welcome Reception on Friday November 15 and an optional farm tour on Sunday November 17. More information about the farm tour is included here. If you are interested in either of these optional events, please indicate your willingness to attend on the registration form.

OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger will be moderating The Need for Cultural Competence panel during this event.

Wednesday - Friday, November 6-8, 2024

Mobile, Alabama

The 2025 Southern Regional Conference is being organized by Georgia Organics in partnership with leaders from 12 sister states and two U.S. territories. This event will build on the legacy of previous Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) conferences, while envisioning a future that prioritizes sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices for small to mid-sized farmers. The conference will also emphasize themes of joy, renewal, and diversity. 

OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger will be participating in a concurrent session on Organic Transition. 

Additionally, Dr. Elias Miller, Manager of Science Programs at The Organic Center, will be present at the event with a booth.

Oct. 28-31, 2024

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV

Bringing together buyers and suppliers from across the industry, SupplySide West and Food Ingredients North America is the premier event for professionals developing finished products that drive the global business economy. This event showcases ingredients, services, and solutions for dietary supplements, animal nutrition, cosmetics, and food and beverage products.

Join OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger for the Career Exposure panel during the Diversity Bridge Program on Thursday, October 31 from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. 

Panel One: Career Exposure

The attendees will be high school and college students from underrepresented populations who are a part of Diversity Org, a global nonprofit that teaches under-resourced and minority students about access to corporate and high-income careers. 

OTA Members receive a $50 discount by using promo code OTA50.

Contact Cassandra Christine if you have any questions or to set up a meeting.

December 4-5, 2024
Organic Grower Summit
Monterey, California

The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together and explore the latest trends, techniques and innovations in organic farming. Presented by Farm Progress and Western Growers, this annual summit offers a platform for industry leaders to share insights, best practices and success stories in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on fostering connections and collaboration within the organic farming community, the summit features educational sessions, workshops and networking opportunities aimed at empowering growers to thrive in the rapidly evolving organic market.

The summit showcases the latest advancements in organic farming technology and provides practical strategies for enhancing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the event offers a tradeshow where growers can discover innovative products and services tailored to their specific needs. Overall, the Organic Grower Summit plays a vital role in driving the growth and sustainability of the organic agriculture industry by equipping growers with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to succeed in today's competitive market landscape.

Contact Cassandra Christine if you have any questions or to set up a meeting.