Organic Industry Event

BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food, is taking place February 12-15, 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany. BIOFACH is the perfect opportunity for visiting professionals to meet organic producers from the organic market and be inspired by the sector’s latest trends.

Organic Trade Association will host 15 U.S. organic companies at BIOFACH, and will also participate in the following education sessions and meetings at the show: 

Organic Processing and Trade Association (OPTA) Workshop | Tuesday, February 11 | 2:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Design Offices, Konigstorgraben 11

Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, and Senior Trade Advisor, Bob Anderson, will be participating in this pre-BioFach workshop and present outcomes from a recent residue testing project. 

Policy Day: The New EU Organic Regulation | Wednesday, February 12 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Hall St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

Updates and debate on the opportunities and the challenges of the new EU organic regulation which will enter into force in January 2021. The new rules will apply in the EU but worldwide as well, given the quantity and number of products imported. The panel will be composed of policymakers and representatives of the organic sector. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

North American Market Update | Thursday, February 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

The market develops dynamically. Organic 3.0 postulates further growth, inclusiveness and orientation towards a more differentiated sustainability products market. We deepen the market information from the IFOAM & OI/FiBL statistics book and reflect about trends and strategic market positioning. Expect a special look at growth forecasts and developments from a finance and banking perspective. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

Fraud, Gaps, and Loopholes: Private and Public Counteractions and Enforcement | Thursday, February 13 | 1:00 p.m - 2:45 p.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

Despite all efforts to improve the regulatory system and components of the organic guarantee, fraud is ongoing. Technologies and tools for improving, if not solving, the core problems are available. It needs a dedicated analysis and discussion about actions to change our approach. Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be presenting. 

Harmonization of Consumer Data | Thursday, February 13 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | Oslo, NCC Ost

An initiative has been started with the aim to harmonise organic consumer data collection at the international level to improve the visibility and comparability of national organic consumer data. Data collection concepts at national level will be presented same as concepts of international approaches. The session will close with a discussion on harmonisation opportunities. Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, will be speaking in this session. 

EU and USDA Changes in the Regulation for Trade and Processing | Thursday, February 13 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Istanbul, NCC Ost

EU and USDA are fully acting on new organic regulation requirements for certification, import-export, extra measures for organic integrity. How does it work out for international trade and processing? What about consequences for equivalence between EU and USDA? And what is the private sector developing to improve integrity of international organic supply. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

Challenges for 100% Organic in EU: The Burden of Unharmonised Residue Handling | Friday, February 14 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

A general introduction on the market-developments and perspectives of organic by prof Hamm of Kassel University and a detailed look to the challenge of integrity in organic (with a close look to the residue topic) by specialist from research, CB's and companies. Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking in this session. 

U.S. Regulatory Update: What's New for Companies Exporting to North America | Friday, February 14 | 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Istanbul, NCC Ost

This session will provide an overview of the organic regulatory framework and also discuss the Food Modernization Act (FSMA). Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be speaking in this session. 

U.S. - EU Stakeholder Meeting | Friday, February 14 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

This meeting is invite only, contact Alexis Carey for more information. 

Contact Alexis Carey, Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, to learn more and connect at the show!

Trade Fair Information:

February 12-15, 2020 

Exhibition Centre Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Germany

The Global Organic Produce Expo [GOPEX] is taking place January 9-11, 2020 in Miami, FL. 

GOPEX provides the fresh produce industry with the only globally driven show for organic produce. The show creates a forum for unique and specific opportunities for those who grow, distribute, pack and market fresh organic produce, to sell here in the Americas. This international trade show and conference provides the ideal opportunity for organic professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas, source new products and services, and do business with the industry’s leading growers, distributors, packer and retailers.

The Organic Trade Association will be speaking in the following education sessions at GOPEX:

Retail Panel | Friday, January 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Sparkle West

With organic continuing to drive sales gains in produce departments, a panel of key retail thought leaders examines trends behind organic growth, including supply, consumer demand, merchandising strategy, use of private labels and more.  Organic Trade Assoication's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, will be speaking on this panel.

Organic 101 Breakout | Friday, January 10 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

New to the organic industry? Join us to learn the basics of what the organic label does (and doesn't) mean, how it is enforced, and why it is the gold standard for food around the world. We'll discuss produce merchandising best practices with an eye toward alignment with organic regulations, as well as those that have been proven most successful with retailers and shoppers. Organic Trade Assoication's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking in this breakout. 

Organic Consumer Messaging for Maximum Impact | Friday, January 10| 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

A major, industry-invested consumer research project has revealed what drives a shopper to choose organic, what messages penetrate deeper than others, and what attributes of organic are the most valued by today's diverse customers. Come for a produce-focused look at the resulting toolkit, designed to help industry speak with unified voice, using the messages proven to be most compelling to our shoppers. Organic Trade Association's Director of Education and Insights, Angela Jagiello, will be speaking in this breakout. 

Organic Policy Panel | Friday, January 10 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

Organic is the most highly regulated food system in the world. Come hear the latest from the individuals at the center of regulatory affairs for this $52 billion sector. Topics will include a review of enforcement actions at the National Organic Program. Organic Trade Assoication's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking on this panel. 

Contact Angela Jagiello for more information. 

Expo Information:

January 9-11, 2020

Fontainebleau Luxury Hotel

Miami Beach, FL

The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) will present the 40th annual EcoFarm Conference, January 22 - 25, 2020 in Pacific Grove, CA. This Conference will feature 70+ groundbreaking workshops, keynote speakers, farm tours, exhibitors, seed swaps, live music, organic culinary fare, and an annual awards banquet. As the oldest and largest organic farming conference in the West, EcoFarm Conference is a prime networking and educational hub for farmers, ranchers, and all who work to support their success as stewards of the earth.

The Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking at the following Workshop at the Conference: 

Safeguarding Organic from Fraud Workshop | January 23, 2020 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

The global organic market is now almost $90 billion annually, with the U.S. organic market alone accounting for $50 billion. Fraud is a huge threat to the organic market, and cannot be tolerated. In this session participants will learn about actions being taken at the local, national, and global level to prevent organic fraud. Panelists will discuss compliance monitoring; improving import oversight, certification and inspection protocols; and solidifying specific sections of the USDA organic regulations to protect organic integrity and bolster trust in the USDA Organic label. Participants will also learn what to do when they detect fraud, and how to file an actionable complaint to USDA’s National Organic Program.

The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, Dr. Jessica Shade, will be speaking at the following sessions at the Conference: 

Farmer-Inspired Research | January 23, 2020 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Whole-farm organic systems are hard to study scientifically, but some farmers and researchers are up to the challenge. This session will highlight one particular project at Phil Foster’s ranch, where after 30 or more years of farming, most vegetable diseases have disappeared or declined substantially. A unique research method, using big data sets of multi-sourced evidence, reveals the links between organic farming and disease suppression. Other farmer-driven projects will also be discussed, involving participatory research on subjects such as manure safety, biodiversity tracking, and organic control for citrus greening disease. When farmers are involved in planning and implementing research, the outcomes are more relevant and informative! 

Citrus Greening Listening Session | January, 23, 2020 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Sanderling 

Come be a part of developing a research project focused on providing much-needed knowledge and relief to organic citrus growers! This discussion group will address the challenges associated with growing organic citrus in the face of citrus greening. We will discuss concerns around citrus greening, experiences with materials and non-chemical methods of preventing or controlling the Asian citrus psyllid and the HLB bacterial infection, and research that is most needed for growers across citrus growing regions in the United States. This project is part of an OREI planning grant that was recently awarded from the USDA to a team including non-profits, academic researchers, and governmental agencies.  The information from this listening session will be used to develop a large-scale holistic project proposal targeted toward protecting organic citrus growers from citrus greening, slowing the spread, and reducing damage to currently infected groves.

Organic Trade Association Representative, Melody Meyer, will be moderating the following session at the Conference: 

Reducing Plastics in the Produce Department | January 24, 2020 | 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

While organic is the baseline for doing good, there is a growing demand to do more about the packaging used to grow, wrap and protect the products we consume. In this session, panelists will showcase innovative actions and programs aimed at reducing and/or eliminating the waste and toxicity of plastic packaging. We’ll look at the amount of plastic used to grow and ship organic produce and the emerging issue of “clean packaging.” Growers, handlers and retailers will hear examples of programs and opportunities to help start or further a program of their own. Consumers will leave with a call to action and a greater awareness of what to look for.

Conference Information: 

January 22-25, 2020

Pacific Grove, CA 

The Organic Trade Association’s Fiber Council will be participating in the 2019 Textile Sustainability Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada, October 15 - 18!

Several Fiber Council members along with Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, will be hostinga booth in the exhibit hall where they will be ready to answer questions about the benefits of organic fiber, textiles and Organic Trade Association membership. Council members will also be actively participating in a full agenda of workshops and educational sessions. The Organic Trade Association's Fiber Council includes representatives from 38 member companies, covering the full supply chain from farmers to manufacturers, certifiers, researchers, retailers, and more. The Council successfully works to strengthen and grow the organic fiber and textiles sector. 

For more information, or to conntect with us at the Textile Sustainability Conference, contact Gwendolyn Wyard. 

Conference Information: 

October 15-18, 2019

Vancouver Convention Center, East Building

Vancouver, British Columbia

The Organic Growers Summit will be taking place December 4-5, 2019 in Monterey, CA. Launched by the Organic Produce Network (OPN) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) will bring organic growers, producers and processors to Monterey for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with their production supply chain and support service providers.

The Organic Trade Association will be participating in the following sessions taking place at the Organic Growers Summit:

What's Next in Organic Plant Health? | Thursday, December 5 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. 

Moderator: Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association

Speakers: Steve Pavich, Senior Plant Nutritionist, BioFlora; Dr. Danielle Kirkpatrick, Global Technical Support Coordinator, Trécé, Inc.; Pete Anecito, Director of Ag Operations, Mission Ranches 

Organic Sales Data Dive | Thursday, December 5 | 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Speakers: Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director, Organic Trade Association; Mike Galaburda, Client Director, Nielsen

If you'd like to setup a meeting with us at the show, contact Danielle Cote, Organic Trade Association's Membership Manager. 

Trade Show Information: 

December 4-5, 2019

Monterey Conference Center

Monterey, California