Leadership

This year marks a significant milestone: the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is turning 40. For four decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the organic movement, driving change, fueling growth, and amplifying a unifying voice of our vibrant community. We’re grateful for those who are part of this community, movement and trade – whether you joined us this year, or have been around from the launch – we are truly stronger together. 

The end of a year and the beginning of a new one – a time for the Organic Trade Association to reflect on our successes during the past 12 months, and this year more than ever, to look ahead at the challenges in store for all of us.  

The Organic Center and The Organic Trade Association (OTA) were honored to join the 21st IFOAM - Organics International’s Organic World Congress held in Chiayi County, Taiwan on November 30 – December 6. The Organic World Congress is a global gathering of organic farmers, researchers, businesses, trade groups, civil society, and other stakeholders. These passionate voices unite around a shared vision: making organic the foundation of agriculture worldwide. 

As we end this year and begin another, it’s time to reflect on the huge accomplishments of 2023 while also gearing up for more challenges ahead in 2024. First and foremost, I want to say thank you to all of the trade association's members for your unflagging commitment to organic and your hard work to keep pushing organic forward.  

With the 2023 farm bill right around the corner, it’s a good time to get to know the decisionmakers who will have a hand in setting the country’s food and agriculture policy for the next five years.

In June, OTA announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, Daniella Velazquez de Leon and Johanna Phillips. The two bring deep expertise and generational experience to the trade association’s board. Here, we get to know them a bit better.

With the kickoff of the Organic Trade Association’s new Student Member program, The Organic Report spoke with one of the association’s newest members Aliça Diehl (22), a Master’s of Business […]

The last couple of years have been challenging, to say the least. And in Washington, D.C., things have been no different. As many people reevaluate their lives and reflect on […]

American consumers are more focused now than ever before on the healthfulness and environmental impact of their purchases. As the historic leader in health and environmental sustainability, the organic industry […]

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has been recognizing inspiring and innovative leaders in our industry for over 20 years. In 1997, the first-ever OTA Leadership Award was given to Senator […]