The Inter-American Commission for Organic Agriculture (ICOA), which comprises the organic competent authorities of countries of the Americas, is holding its Annual Meeting from July 15 – 21 in Portland Oregon. In June 2008, the ministers of agriculture of the western hemisphere created the ICOA for the purpose of contributing to the further development of organic agriculture in their countries and facilitating trade of organic produce. ICOA is a sub group of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) supporting cooperation on agriculture in the Americas since 1942. OTA is honored to plan and host this meeting. Thursday, July 20, is an open to the public day where guests will learn about organic in the Americas and hear from industry experts on growing organic in the western hemisphere. For information or to RSVP please contact Monique Marez.