The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in the United States. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade, representing more than 600 organic businesses across the United States and 9,500 producers through its Farmers Advisory Council. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. Organic products represented include organic foods, ingredients and beverages, as well as organic fibers, personal care products, pet foods, nutritional supplements, household cleaners and flowers. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members.
Mission
Grow and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.
Vision
Our vision is a world where ORGANIC is the foundation of agriculture resulting in a healthy and resilient future for all people, animals, businesses and the planet.
We, as members of OTA--
- Have established organic trade on a foundation of common organic standards
- Work in harmony with the environment, promoting sustainability
- Recognize the need for organic agriculture to be economically viable
- Work to protect the diversity of life
- Recognize the interdependence of all parts of the organic community
- Understand that organic farms are the foundation of the organic industry
- Seek out and use whole system approaches to agricultural and business practices
- Support the human right to knowledge and choice in the marketplace
- OTA Core Values Statement
Like all trade associations, the Organic Trade Association Bylaws are the “guidelines” the board and staff use to run the organization.
OTA's Bylaws have essentially been in place since the Association's establishment 40 years ago. Changes in the Bylaws have taken place over the years to reflect our growing industry and to meet evolving legal requirements. The OTA Board, after careful consideration may recommend to the membership that certain changes be made from time to time and will submit a motion for a change to the entire membership for a vote. Please take the time to review the Bylaws of your trade association.
Organic Trade Association Bylaws (revised December 2022)