Accomplished experts in organic, government advocacy will bolster OTA efforts
Washington, D.C. — The Organic Trade Association is pleased to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the hiring of two new vice presidents in key strategic and growth roles. Joining the association as Vice President of Government Affairs is Ivanna Yang, and as Vice President of Industry Relations is Matt Landi.
Yang will spearhead OTA’s legislative advocacy efforts in achieving organic priorities in appropriations, the farm bill, and tax and trade policies. She will work with OTA’s DC coalition partners and other agriculture associations, as well as with lawmakers and policy makers to advance and grow organic agriculture.
Yang is an accomplished government affairs manager and coalition builder on both the state and federal level. She most recently led the government affairs program for Geno, a leader in the technology of replacing fossil fuels with plant-based feedstocks to accelerate the transition to sustainable materials. Yang has been at the forefront of successful and innovative manufacturing and consumer protection campaigns at every level of government.
“I look forward to working with the new Congress and Administration to ensure that the organic industry and our members have a seat at the table and a hand in crafting legislation to strengthen and transform our food systems. As an avid consumer of organic products, I am thrilled to represent an industry that touches many of our lives every day,” said Yang.
As Vice President of Industry Relations, Landi will lead a department that includes membership engagement, events, and membership-related communications and marketing. This will include the team that guides OTA’s sector councils such as Produce, Fiber, Dairy, Grains, Dietary Supplements, and Wine, with a new Poultry Council on the way.
Landi brings to his new position over two decades in the organic food and agricultural trade in a number of different leadership roles in California, the Pacific Northwest and New England. His career has included stints in retail, wholesale distribution, international trade and more recently leading a regional start up brand in Vermont. Landi has also served as board chair for OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and board president for the SFTA (Sustainable Food Trade Association).
"I’m grateful to have found purposeful and fulfilling livelihood in advancing organic agriculture over the last 20+ years and am honored to take on this new role as part of the amazing OTA team. There's no place I'd rather put my energy than working on behalf of the organic trade, and I look forward to serving our incredible community of members and stakeholders,” said Landi.
“Bringing these two outstanding and experienced individuals into our leadership team will greatly enhance our work to advocate for organic farmers and businesses, and to better serve our members. We are thrilled to have Ivanna and Matt on our team,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of OTA.
“Organic is facing many challenges and also opportunities in the coming years. Ivanna’s and Matt’s expertise, along with their proven commitment to organic, will help us meet those challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. The OTA team has never been stronger,” said Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of OTA.
The Organic Trade Association is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands. retailers and others.