Organic Trade Association hires seasoned D.C. policy strategist

 Marni Karlin, who has served as counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights since 2009, this week joined the staff of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) in Washington as its Associate Director for Legislative and Legal Affairs, OTA’s Executive Director and CEO Christine Bushway announced.

“Marni’s experience as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee has given her an in-depth understanding of the legislative process, which will prove invaluable in her role at OTA. In addition, through her work successfully shepherding two bills through committee with bipartisan support and developing a political strategy to move two other bills through the Senate to passage and enactment into law, she has cultivated valued relationships with policy-makers on the Hill and those who influence policy off of the Hill,” Bushway added.

Karlin graduated from The George Washington University with honors in 1998 with a B.A. in International Economics and Politics. In 2001, she received her J.D. degree with honors from the University of Chicago Law School, and subsequently was admitted to the New York Bar. She has served 11 years in private and government legal practice, developing substantial writing, oral communication, research and analytical skills.

Besides her professional skills she has a passion for sustainable and organic food, and received a Culinary Arts diploma, with honors, in 2007 from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. Since 2008, in her spare time, she has served as Policy Adviser and Market Manager for EcoFriendly Foods, a local sustainable meat producer and processor in Moneta, VA, to formulate its policy goals and congressional testimony.

In her new position with OTA, she will have the opportunity to combine her passion for food and agricultural policy with her legal and legislative knowledge.

“OTA is excited to have Marni become a crucial member of our team here in D.C. as the organic sector continues to build long-term critical relationships on Capitol Hill and with agencies that help determine farm policy affecting organic producers,” said Bushway. She added, “Since opening a D.C. office in early 2010, OTA has made great strides in increasing its visibility and effectiveness with Congress, the Executive Branch, and regulatory agencies including the National Organic Program housed at USDA. Marni’s addition to OTA staff is an important step at a critical time in farm policy development in Congress.”

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 6,500 organic businesses across 49 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.