The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is proud to share that Stephanie Jerger, OTA’s Vice President of Operations, has been elected Board President of Oregon Tilth.
The announcement was made as part of Oregon Tilth’s 2026–2028 Board of Directors election, marking a leadership transition for the respected nonprofit that has spent more than five decades advancing biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture.
A Leader at a Pivotal Moment for Organic
Stephanie steps into this role at a defining time for the organic sector. With organic now a $72 billion market in the United States, the movement has moved beyond proving viability to navigating growth, market pressure, evolving standards, and increasing complexity.
“Stepping into this role now, I’m acutely aware that we’re at an inflection point,” Stephanie shared. “Oregon Tilth has been a pioneer in the organic movement for over five decades—not just certifying organic practices, but actively shaping what organic means. For me, this is an opportunity to steward the next chapter of Oregon Tilth’s legacy, while honoring the relevance and boldness of its past.”
With more than a decade of experience in the organic sector, Stephanie brings deep expertise in organizational operations, strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. In her role at OTA, she works across the supply chain to strengthen collaboration and expand access to certified organic and sustainable practices.
Protecting Integrity While Driving Innovation
As Board President, Stephanie will help guide Oregon Tilth’s work as a certifier, educator, and advocate. She emphasizes a dual responsibility: safeguarding organic integrity while also helping the system evolve.
“We need to be guardians and innovators of the standards,” she said. “That means protecting the integrity of organic certification while also being willing to push standards forward into what is viable for farmers and businesses in this moment.”
She also underscored the importance of bridge-building across the sector:
Between small-scale and larger operations
Between farmers and policymakers
Between certification and education
Between organic and those still on the perimeter of the movement
Oregon Tilth’s longstanding role as a convener will remain central as the organization continues to prioritize collaboration, transparency, and community-centered governance.
Clear Roles, Shared Mission
Given Stephanie’s leadership role at OTA, clarity and integrity are essential. Both organizations serve the organic community in complementary but distinct ways.
“These organizations have different constituencies and sometimes different priorities,” Stephanie explained. “When I’m in my OTA capacity, I’m serving that board and leadership’s mandate. When I’m serving Oregon Tilth, that mission is my priority.”
For more than 40 years, OTA and Oregon Tilth have worked alongside one another to strengthen organic policy, standards, and market development. That collaboration continues to be a critical asset for the broader organic ecosystem.
As Stephanie noted, “The challenges facing organic are too big and too interconnected for any single organization to solve alone.”
Honoring Leadership and Looking Ahead
Stephanie also acknowledged the leadership of outgoing Board President Ani Kame’enui, thanking her for steady and principled governance during a period of complexity and growth for the organization.
Looking ahead, Stephanie’s message to the organic community is clear:
“To the farmers, processors, handlers, and businesses, Oregon Tilth certifies: You are why we exist. Not the other way around. Your commitment to voluntarily stewarding a transformational food system matters profoundly—and it deserves recognition and support.”
At OTA, we are proud to see Stephanie’s leadership recognized at the national level and look forward to the continued collaboration between our organizations inthe service of a strong, resilient, and forward-looking organic sector.
About Oregon Tilth
Oregon Tilth is a leading organic certifier, educator, and advocate working to make food and agriculture socially equitable and biologically sound. Founded more than 50 years ago, Oregon Tilth serves farmers, ranchers, handlers, and businesses across the organic supply chain. Learn more at tilth.org.
Sources:
Oregon Tilth press release (February 11, 2026) and interview with Stephanie Jerger.