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The OTA Calendar is full of events that are either organized or attended by OTA. We are pleased to organize and support dozens of events that advance organic agriculture and trade throughout the year. Some of these are signature OTA events hosted for members, while others are regional, national, or international conferences where OTA staff are featured keynotes and panelists. Whether we’re bringing the latest news and trends about the organic industry to diverse audiences, sponsoring business networking gatherings, or hosting listening sessions to gather feedback from the sector, you can count on OTA to be part of the action. 

OTA Hosted Event
  • Sunday, November 24, 2024 - 8:00am to Monday, November 25, 2024 - 2:00pm
    2024 Iowa Organic Conference

    2024 Iowa Organic Conference

    Sunday, November 24, 2024 - 8:00am to Monday, November 25, 2024 - 2:00pm

     

    Nov. 24–Nov. 25

    Iowa City, IA

    The country’s largest university-sponsored organic conference will return Nov. 25 to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A joint effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Iowa, the conference will feature producers and experts from across the country sharing tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.

    This year’s theme is “Organic Agriculture: Economic Opportunities and Climate-Smart Systems,” featuring keynote speaker Thelma Velez, research and education program director, Organic Farming Research Foundation. Velez will speak on how OFRF surveys organic farmers on their research and education needs and how they work to have their voices heard through various outlets, including the Farm Bill.

      Nov. 24–Nov. 25 Iowa City, IA The country’s largest university-sponsored organic conference will return Nov. 25 to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A joint effort of Iowa State ...
  • Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 8:00am to Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 6:30pm
    21st IFOAM Organic World Congress 2024

    21st IFOAM Organic World Congress 2024

    Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 8:00am to Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 6:30pm

    November 30 - December 4 Taiwan

    The registration for the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organic World Congress (OWC) 2024 is now open. The 21st Congress will be held from November 30 to December 4 as an in-person event in Taiwan. It is organized in collaboration with their main OWC partner and IFOAM member, the Sustainability Centre of Nanhua University, other IFOAM members and local partners. This congress is your gateway to discovering cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and the latest trends in organic farming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate newcomer, OWC 2024 offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in the vibrant field of organic agriculture.

    General Assembly: Every three years, members of IFOAM - Organics International come together for the General Assembly (GA). This typically occurs following the Organic World Congress (OWC). During the GA, you can witness the democratic and participatory nature of our organisation in action. The next GA is scheduled to take place on December 5-6, immediately following the Organic World Congress in Taiwan.

    Dr. Amber Sciligo, The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs will be a speaker for the following sessions and workshop:

    • Cultivating Organic Solutions for True Sustainability: December 2 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The opening plenary sets the scene for Cultivating Organic Solutions for True Sustainability. Allies in the movement for food systems change will share learning and insights and hold a discussion about accelerating transformation through shared purpose, partnership and valuing diversity.

    • Harvesting Knowledge: A Collective Exploration with Farmers and Scientists: December 3 | 9:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. A dynamic plenary session where farmers and scientists come together to share their expertise and experiences in organic agriculture. Through a collective exploration of successes, challenges, and innovations, we will harvest knowledge and insights from the field and the lab, and explore ways to bridge the gap between research and practice. This session will foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives and set the stage for continued knowledge sharing and learning throughout the congress.

    • Workshop: TIPI Review of Ecological Organic Action Research Findings in the Developing World: December 3 | Time TBA A dynamic plenary session where farmers and scientists come together to share their expertise and experiences in organic agriculture. Through a collective exploration of successes, challenges, and innovations, we will harvest knowledge and insights from the field and the lab, and explore ways to bridge the gap between research and practice. This session will foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives and set the stage for continued knowledge sharing and learning throughout the congress.

    • World Board Election: Dr. Sciligo is also a World Board 2024-2027 candidate! The World Board candidate elections are a pivotal process within IFOAM - Organics International, aimed at selecting the leadership that will guide the organization. The World Board is responsible for strategic decision-making and ensuring that IFOAM's mission and objectives are effectively pursued. Candidates for the World Board are nominated from within the membership and are individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of organic agriculture and sustainable development. Click here for an overview of World Board candidates.

    Matthew Dillon, the Organic Trade Association's Co-CEO will be speaking during the Multiple Pathways to Market Success: Retail, Community Supported Agriculture, PGS and Public Procurement session. 

    • About the session: Organic farmers & enterprises need new and fair market opportunities in order to survive and thrive. In this plenary, leading voices will share pathways, lessons and barriers for market success in retail, public procurement, Customer Supported Agriculture and PGS for small holders.

    Click here to learn more about their sessions. Click here for detailed program information.

    November 30 - December 4 Taiwan The registration for the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organic World Congress (OWC) 2024 is now open. The 21st Congress...
  • Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 8:00am
    2024 Iowa Organic Association Annual Meeting

    2024 Iowa Organic Association Annual Meeting

    Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 8:00am

    December 3, 2024

    Story City, IA 

    Each year, Iowa's organic community gathers to celebrate the growing organic movement in Iowa with presentations that highlight new and emerging issues within the organic industry. The Annual Meeting also features a uniquely-curated dinner and networking with presenters, exhibitors, and other Iowa Organic Association members.

    This year's focus will be the exciting relationship between Organic and Regenerative, and the impact this has on building healthy soils, protecting biodiversity, and supporting the climate through farming practices.

    December 3, 2024 Story City, IA  Each year, Iowa's organic community gathers to celebrate the growing organic movement in Iowa with presentations that highlight new and emerging issues withi...
  • Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 8:00am to Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 6:00pm
    Organic Grower Summit

    Organic Grower Summit

    Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 8:00am to Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 6:00pm

     

    December 4-5, 2024
    Organic Grower Summit
    Monterey, California

    The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together and explore the latest trends, techniques and innovations in organic farming. Presented by Farm Progress and Western Growers, this annual summit offers a platform for industry leaders to share insights, best practices and success stories in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on fostering connections and collaboration within the organic farming community, the summit features educational sessions, workshops and networking opportunities aimed at empowering growers to thrive in the rapidly evolving organic market.

    The summit showcases the latest advancements in organic farming technology and provides practical strategies for enhancing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the event offers a tradeshow where growers can discover innovative products and services tailored to their specific needs. Overall, the Organic Grower Summit plays a vital role in driving the growth and sustainability of the organic agriculture industry by equipping growers with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to succeed in today's competitive market landscape.

    Contact Cassandra Christine if you have any questions or to set up a meeting.

      December 4-5, 2024 Organic Grower Summit Monterey, California The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together an...
  • Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 8:00am to Friday, December 13, 2024 - 6:00pm
    American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Field Crop Seed Convetion

    American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Field Crop Seed Convetion

    Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 8:00am to Friday, December 13, 2024 - 6:00pm

     

    December 10-13, 2025

    Hyatt Regency Orlando | Orlando, FL

    The Field Crop Seed Convention (FCSC) convenes industry professionals involved in the production of seed used for food, feed, fiber and fuel. Bringing together over a thousand individuals annually, the FCSC continues to be the largest seed industry networking event in the United States, offering trade show exhibit opportunities and educational/policy content to attendees.

    OTA Sr. Director of Regulatory Scott Rice will be presenting on seed-related issues, market data and opportunities, and the big picture on domestic and global trade & regulatory issues. 

      December 10-13, 2025 Hyatt Regency Orlando | Orlando, FL The Field Crop Seed Convention (FCSC) convenes industry professionals involved in the production of seed used for food, feed, fi...
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 8:00am to Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 6:00pm
    Sustainable Foods Summit

    Sustainable Foods Summit

    Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 8:00am to Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 6:00pm

     

    January 22-23, 2025
    San Francisco, CA

    The Sustainable Foods Summit will delve into sustainability schemes, regenerative agriculture, and ecological & packaging impacts. What is the future of third party sustainability schemes? What can be done to raise adoption rates of regenerative agriculture? How are operators measuring and reducing their ecological impacts? How are new technologies creating sustainable ingredients? What green packaging innovations are occurring? Such questions will be addressed in this 15th North American edition, hosted in San Francisco on 22-23rd January 2025. 

    OTA Co-CEO Tom Chapman will be speaking during the event:

    Session 4: Sustainability Schemes  This session gives an update on sustainability schemes, focusing on prominent third party standards and eco-labels.

    • Thursday January 23, 2025 | 2:50pm PT – 3:15pm PT
    • Topic: Consumer Trends on Organic Foods 

     

      January 22-23, 2025 San Francisco, CA The Sustainable Foods Summit will delve into sustainability schemes, regenerative agriculture, and ecological & packaging impacts. What is the f...