The Organic Trade Association (OTA) congratulates its strategic partner CCOF Inc. and its long-standing member Oregon Tilth on the announcement of their planned merger, expected by Oct. 31, 2012. OTA looks forward to collaborating with the new joint organization, CCOF Tilth, to strengthen the visibility and voice of certified organic producers, handlers, and processers.
“OTA recognizes the strong history and contributions of both organizations. It has been my pleasure to work with Cathy Calfo, CCOF Executive Director, and Chris Schreiner, Executive Director of Oregon Tilth, and I look forward to advancing organic together with CCOF Tilth,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director and CEO.
One year ago, OTA and CCOF Inc. announced a strategic alliance designed to increase the representation of organic producers in federal legislative advocacy. This partnership, which recognized CCOF Inc. as a member of OTA’s Producers Advisory Council, has greatly strengthened the input of organic farmers, ranchers, and growers on matters pertinent to organic. Upon completion of the merger, CCOF Tilth will have more than 3,700 certified organic operations across the country and the world. Together, we will continue to leverage the collective reach of our diverse memberships to advance organic agriculture.
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.