Organic Trade Association's signature event in May featuring top policy, industry officials
The Organic Trade Association is pleased to be hosting Organic Week, its annual flagship event, on May 14-16 in Washington, D.C., featuring two days of critical discussions on the issues and opportunities facing the organic sector and a day of advocating for organic on Capitol Hill. The event offers the organic community a once-a-year chance to come together, brainstorm, and help chart the way forward for organic.
The gathering of the organic industry comes at a pivotal time for the organic sector. Organic is now a $67 billion industry, a high-level mark. But with this growth comes new questions about how to effectively accelerate and sustain the momentum of the movement.
In keynote speeches, panel discussions and special break-out sessions, dozens of organic industry leaders and policy makers will take a close look at organic’s most pressing issues and priorities. Experts will explore current trends in the organic marketplace, the impact of competing labels and claims, federal and private actions to boost organic production, steps to ensure continuing improvement in organic standards, strategies to navigate the political environment of a Farm Bill and national election year, and much more.
“Organic Week is a unique opportunity for our members and organic stakeholders to join forces to keep organic advancing,” said Tom Chapman, co-CEO of OTA. “Organic is confronting some deep challenges now, but the sector also has untapped opportunities to appeal to today’s health-focused and environmentally conscious consumers and educate them about the full scope of the benefits of organic.”
“Organic is a movement, one that prioritizes sustainable business practices, accountability, trust and transparency to consumers,” said Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of OTA. “Organic Week is the chance for organic stakeholders to connect, share ideas, hear from the experts and use their collective muscle to help organic expand.”
Conference highlights
Keynote speakers at the conference include top government officials and organic industry leaders. The latest data on the U.S. organic market will be released, and for the first time at Organic Week, breakout sessions homing in on specific organic categories will be offered.
- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has been invited to speak about USDA’s investment in organic agriculture to grow the sector, and its steps to maintain strong and evolving organic standards.
- Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, will brief on USDA’s Organic Market Development Grants which are designed to address the critical need for new market pathways in organic, and Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of USDA’s National Organic Program, will update on USDA’s new Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, the most significant change to organic regulations since their inception, John Berge, Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for USDA’s Farm Service Agency, will discuss USDA’s efforts to support organic farmers and programs USDA is implementing to support the organic dairy sector.
- John Foraker, CEO and Co-founder of organic baby food maker Once Upon a Farm, will share valuable insights on how organic can amplify its value and expand access to more households.
- Eduardo Cuoco, Director of IFOAM Organics Europe, will talk about Europe’s ambitious organic action plan and what insights the U.S. can gain from the European strategies.
- Other industry leaders appearing in the program include: Nicole Atchison, CEO of PURIS, the innovative maker of plant-based foods and ingredients; Stevn Shephard, CEO of the organic poultry producer Farmer Focus; Hobbs Wolcott, President of the global organic ingredient distributor Tradin Organic USA; Paul Schiefer, President of the iconic Amy’s Kitchen, and more.
- The top findings of OTA’s 2024 Organic Industry Survey will be released. Spearheaded by OTA for more than 20 years, this closely followed survey is regarded as the most comprehensive measure of the American retail certified Oorganic market.
- Organic agricultural outlook sessions will be featured on Day 1 of Organic Week. These breakout sessions are designed specifically for businesses and farmers navigating the organic market's evolving landscape, and will explore vital subjects at the sector level.
And more: Awards, a run and Capitol Hill advocacy
The trade association’s Annual Organic Leadership Awards reception will be held on May 14. This always inspiring event recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding leadership and vision in furthering the goals of the organic movement.
Day 2 of Organic Week will kick off with a 5k loop around the National Mall. This CLIF BAR sponsored event is a great opportunity to exercise, see iconic D.C. monuments and have casual conversation with Organic Week participants, as well as Administration and other Hill staff. Register here to attend.
Organic Week concludes with a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill when dozens of OTA members will meet with U.S. lawmakers to share how and why they should support organic. This day of Hill Visits is one of the most impactful ways an OTA member can make a difference on behalf of the entire organic industry.
The Organic Week headquarters hotel will be the Park Hyatt D.C. hotel, where all activities will be based. Registration for Organic Week is open. Register here for the event.
For Organic Week sponsorship opportunities, contact Cassandra Christine at cchristine@ota.com.
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About the Organic Trade Association
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 more than 500 organic businesses across 50 states and 9,500 farmers through its Farmers Advisory Council. 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 ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.
