Spotlight on Member Councils: Driving Sustainability from the Ground Up
At the Organic Trade Association (OTA), our strength comes from the knowledge, passion, and leadership of our members. Through OTA’s Member Councils, experts from every corner of the organic sector come together to address shared challenges, advance best practices, and amplify the voice of organic in policy, research, and the marketplace.
This article is part of our ongoing series highlighting the powerful work of OTA’s Sector Councils. In this edition, we shine a light on the Sustainability Council — a dedicated group of farmers, brands, retailers, and advocates working at the intersection of organic, climate action, and social responsibility.
From creating tools that help businesses communicate the ESG value of organic, to fostering collaboration between sustainability leaders across the supply chain, the Sustainability Council is charting a path for organic to lead in building a resilient and equitable food system. Read on to learn how this Council is equipping members to position organic as a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
The organic sector stands at the crossroads of agriculture, climate resilience, and social responsibility. At the heart of this dynamic space, OTA’s Sustainability Council serves as a catalyst for meaningful change — helping organic businesses and stakeholders amplify their impact and demonstrate the value of organic as a core strategy for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership.
Our Mission
The Sustainability Council exists to strengthen and articulate the case for organic as a powerful tool for meeting sustainability and ESG goals. We believe organic is not just a certification; it is a pathway to healthier soils, stronger communities, and more transparent supply chains. Our mission is to equip OTA members with the strategies, partnerships, and messaging they need to champion organic as a solution to some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
Recent Work and Priorities
Over the past year, the Council has focused on building bridges between organic practices and corporate ESG objectives. We hosted in-depth discussions with sustainability leaders from major CPG brands, exploring how organic sourcing can support climate targets, biodiversity goals, and regenerative commitments.
One of our key initiatives is developing a shared framework to help businesses communicate the ESG value of organic more clearly and consistently. By translating complex sustainability metrics into accessible narratives, we aim to empower members to tell a stronger story — one that resonates with investors, retail partners, and conscious consumers alike.
In addition, the Council is exploring how to best support and advance the next generation of leadership at the organic-sustainability crossroads. As the sector matures and pioneers move on, the shape of the culture within the organic community with respect to our approach to and interaction with a sustainability ethos is at an inflection point, and the Council has been looking at how to equitably and effectively facilitate this evolution.
Opportunities for Engagement
The Sustainability Council is open to all OTA members who are passionate about driving systemic change and want to play an active role in shaping the future of organic. Members can participate in working groups, contribute to resource development, and lend their voice to policy and communications initiatives.
Whether you’re a grower, processor, retailer, or brand, your insights are vital. The Council thrives on diverse perspectives, and we invite members from all parts of the supply chain to join us in strengthening organic’s contribution to a more resilient food system. Joining the Sustainability Council is also a great way to meet and network with other OTA members throughout the year, as many of the resources we often look for exist within the group's knowledge and experience.
Looking Ahead
As consumers, policymakers, institutional investors, and business leaders continue to look for credible solutions to climate change and social equity, organic is uniquely positioned to lead. The Sustainability Council is committed to ensuring that organic stakeholders have the tools, evidence, and community support needed to seize this moment.
We believe that by working together, we can make organic not only a choice for individual health but also a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
If you’re ready to contribute your expertise, connect with like-minded leaders, and help shape the role of organic in advancing environmental and social change, we invite you to join the Sustainability Council. Your voice matters — and together, we can amplify the organic advantage.