Organic Industry Event

Organicology 2019 will be taking place February 14 -16 in Portland, OR. With intensive training sessions, workshops, world class keynote speakers, amazing entertainment and networking, Organicology is a conference of its own class. Organicology seeks to bring all of the stakeholder groups to the table to not only develop skills in their own areas of activity but to gain exposure to the challenges and accomplishments of those in other areas of the trade and movement. Each day of Organicology offers different opportunities to learn. Thursday is for intensives, Friday is for workshops and our Ark of Taste Dinner and concert, and Saturday is our Exhibitor Showcase.

The Organic Trade Association’s VP of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be leading the following Intensive session taking place on Thursday, February 14.

Intensive: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? Integrity, Continuous Improvement and Evolution in the Organic Trade

In this intensive, we will look at IFOAM’s “Organic 3.0” and the OTA’s “Bold Steps” as potential guides for navigating the challenges now before us, and the “Middle Path”, developed by Organic Agsystems Consulting and Organically Grown Company staff as a process for deliberating options with the requirement that they provide open paths to continuous improvement through “relentless but patient” progress. Want to participate in shaping the future of the organic sector?  Want to learn how to break-down complex situations and find pragmatic, workable solutions?  Want to develop your management and problem-solving skills?  Then this is the intensive workshop for you!  Be prepared to be engaged!

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Megan DeBates, will be leading the following workshop at the Conference on Friday, February 15.

Farm Bill & Organic Policy in 2019 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Speakers: Megan Debates; Steve Etka, National Organic Coalition; Nichelle Harriott; Chris Schriener, Oregon Tilth; Brise Tencer      

This workshop will provide an update on the 2018-19 Farm Bill, and dig into policies ranging from working lands conservation and crop insurance to research, certification cost share, and enhanced enforcement against fraudulent organic imports. Learn about key strategies and opportunities for grassroots outreach to engage and mobilize around critical organic wins. Panelists will provide a primer on new and returning members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the Organic Caucus, and other policy needs.

Also on Friday, February 15, Gwendolyn Wyard will be speaking at the following workshops:

Ferreting out Fraud and Securing Future Supplies |1:30pm  3:00pm

Speakers: John Saunders; Chris Schriener, Oregon Tilth; Jessica Shade, The Organic Center; Gwendolyn Wyard

This workshop focuses on the tools and technologies to verify organic integrity throughout an increasingly complex supply chain. Panelists will discuss a variety of available and emerging mechanisms for preventing organic fraud, including Blockchain, organic-approved fumigation, and upgrades to electronic organic certificate management.

Private Sector Solutions to Increasing Organic Seed Usage | 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Speakers: Andrew Black; Heron Breen, Fedco Seeds; Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance; Kristina Hubbard, Organic Seed Alliance; Logan Peterman, Organic Valley; Gwendolyn Wyard

The availability of organic seed and planting stock has dramatically increased, yet further improvement is needed. From improving regulatory frameworks to strengthen and clarify organic seed requirements to increased investments in research, education, and resources, this interactive workshop explores private sector solutions to expanding organic seed usage. Panelists will focus on how to develop the relationship and commitment between organic food processors, growers, and seed providers.

Organic Trade Association Board Member David Lively of Organically Grown Company is organizing an Organic Trade Association social at Organicology on Friday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m, taking place at the Hilton in Broadway I/II. 

But What has the Organic Trade Association Done for Me Lately?

Ever wonder exactly what the Organic Trade Association (OTA) does, or how its efforts benefit you?  Or maybe you are one of those of the opinion that the OTA’s activities only serve the needs of “the big boys” and not the historic trade and the organic grower base? Here is a chance to sharpen you awareness of the many challenges facing the organic movement and trade, and learn how our most significant national organization takes them on. This event, sponsored by OTA members from the fresh produce sector, will feature OTA Executive Director Laura Batcha in a Q&A session covering the broad range of concerns and activities that occupy the OTA’s staff and members on a daily basis. The setting is casual and the refreshments first rate. This event is open to both members and non-members. Please join us for an enlightening discussion!

Conference Information:

February 14-16, 2019

Hilton Portland Downtown

Portland, OR

The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) will present the 39th annual EcoFarm Conference January 23 - 26, 2019 in Pacific Grove, CA - Featuring over 70 workshops, intensives, keynote speakers, an exhibitor marketplace, seed swap, awards banquet, live entertainment, mixers, and organic culinary fare. Workshops offer practical and cutting edge information on crop production, livestock, soil health, marketing, distribution, and food systems. As the oldest and largest organic farming conference in the West, EcoFarm is a prime networking and educational hub for farmers, ranchers, distributors, retailers, activists, researchers, and educators.

The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, Jessica Shade, will be leading the following workshop at the Conference on January 24th from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.:

Organic Truths and Lies – the REAL Science Behind the Benefits of Organic

Moderator: Lisa J. Bunin, PhD, Organic Advocacy;

Speakers: Jessica Shade, PhD, The Organic Center; Asa Bradman, PhD, University of California, Berkeley.

Every year  scientific research on the benefits of organic grows and so does the  spread of misinformation about the effects of organic on our health and environment. This workshop will dispel the myths and highlight what some of the most recent scientific studies say, and don’t say about how organic agriculture impacts our communities and ecosystems. You can rest assured that the benefits are enormous. For example, research has shown  that on average, organic farms have 44 percent higher levels of humic acid—the component of soil that sequesters carbon over the long term—than soils not managed organically. Come hear the latest and greatest about how organic fits into positive strategies to improve soil health, biodiversity, clean water, mitigate climate change, and reduce dietary and occupational exposurea to pesticides.

Organic Trade Association Board Member David Lively of Organically Grown Company is organizing an Organic Trade Association social at the EcoFarm Conference on Thursday, January 24th at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Sanderling room:

But What has the Organic Trade Association Done for Me Lately?

Ever wonder exactly what the Organic Trade Association (OTA) does, or how its efforts benefit you?  Or maybe you are one of those of the opinion that the OTA’s activities only serve the needs of “the big boys” and not the historic trade and the organic grower base? Here is a chance to sharpen you awareness of the many challenges facing the organic movement and trade, and learn how our most significant national organization takes them on. This event, sponsored by OTA members from the fresh produce sector, will feature OTA Executive Director Laura Batcha in a Q&A session covering the broad range of concerns and activities that occupy the OTA’s staff and members on a daily basis. The setting is casual and the refreshments first rate. This event is open to both members and non-members. Please join us for an enlightening discussion!

The Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking at a workshop at the Conference on Friday, January 25th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.:

Real, Regenerative, Regular? Which Organic Seal for You?

Presenters: Laura Batcha, Organic Trade Association; Paul Muller, Full Belly Farm; Elizabeth Whitlow, Regenerative Organic Alliance

After extensive controversy over how USDA regulates certified organic, particularly with regards to hydroponics, animal welfare, and corporate bias, two new certifications have arrived on the scene. Both start with USDA organic and add additional features. Representatives will discuss the new programs and what they offer organic farmers and consumers, and we will also hear the perspective from supporters of the existing USDA program. The Real Organic Project, founded by organic farmers, began in 2018 to refine stricter standards than the USDA, testing them in real-world situations with plans to roll out in 2019. Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s and Rodale Institute are sponsoring the Regenerative Organic label, an add-on to USDA’s organic program, with significantly stricter regulations for soil management, carbon sequestration, animal welfare, ecosystem protection, and farmworker health and safety.

Conference Information:

January 23-26, 2019

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds 

Pacific Grove, CA