The Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (WODPA) Annual Conference will be taking place November 19-20, 2019 in Sparks, Nevada. WODPA is a member of the Organic Trade Assciation's Farmers Advisory Council and Dairy Council. 

The Organic Trade Association will be exhibiting in the tradeshow portion of the Conference! Contact Megan DeBates, Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions for the Organic Trade Association, to learn more or to schedule a meeting at the show. Click here to review the full conference agenda.

Conference Information:

November 19-20, 2019

Nugget Casino Resort 

Sparks, NV

The Montana Organic Association's Annual Conference will be taking place December 4-7, 2019 in Bozeman, MT. 

The Montana Organic Association (MOA) brings together people, businesses, organizations, and agencies who are working to develop Montana's organic industry. MOA is proud of its legacy that has led Montana to be a national leader in organic production. But MOA is more than organic production; it also serves to educate about organic products including food, fiber, and non-food items like personal care items and household supplies, and ways to limit the use of chemicals in everyday life. MOA also advocates for policies that protect the environment, promote healthy living, and support individuals, farms and businesses who are actively engaged in developing sustainable businesses and communities. MOA accomplishes this through hosting events, serving as an educational resource, providing network opportunities, and communications.

The Montana Organic Association (MOA) is a member of the Organic Trade Association's Farmers Advisory Council. Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be attending the Annual Conference, and speaking at the following two sessions:

Repairing the Public-Private Partnership in Organic Standards | December 6, 2019 | 2:50 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
A healthy market for organic products requires critical support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) for uniform and robust standards. However, the USDA is not advancing organic standards, and this failure to keep pace with consumers and the industry is harming and fragmenting the market. In the past 10 years, industry has advanced 20 consensus recommendations for improvements to the organic standards and the USDA has not completed rulemaking on a single one of them. Montana Senators Jon Tester (Democrat), Steve Daines (Republican) and Representative Greg Gianforte (Republican) recognized this issue in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue demanding that USDA move forward and act on a decade’s worth of stalled recommendations by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

The Organic Trade Association is working on long-term solutions that will repair the broken public-private partnership between USDA and the organic industry to ensure continuous improvement and accountability of the organic standards. At this workshop, attendees will learn about the Organic Trade Association’s efforts to advance concepts for a new framework for advancing federal organic standards to keep up with the marketplace and ensure the credibility of the USDA Organic seal. Attendees will participate in a facilitated discussion about these concepts and other strategic ideas for how organic will evolve within the public-private partnership into the future.

Federal Organic Policy Update | December 7, 2019 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
This panel will provide an of-the-moment update on federal policy related to organic agriculture, including implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. Specific focus will be given to Strengthening Oversight and Enforcement of Organic; Appropriations; Research; Conservation Programs; Risk Management Programs.

The full conference agenda is available here. Organic Trade Association will also be exhibiting in the tradeshow portion of the Conference! For more information, contact Johanna Mirenda. 

Conference Information:

December 4-7, 2019

Bozeman, MT

Join Organic Trade Association to review the stories that made news in organic in 2019. We'll review the most compelling issues and discuss tips and resources for representing organic and your brand accurately in the media. Learn more about our Webinar series and how to register to attend.

The Organic Trade Association Winter Board Meeting will take place via phone conference on December 11, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. 

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger. 

Meeting Information:

December 11, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. 

Phone Conference 

The Global Organic Produce Expo [GOPEX] is taking place January 9-11, 2020 in Miami, FL. 

GOPEX provides the fresh produce industry with the only globally driven show for organic produce. The show creates a forum for unique and specific opportunities for those who grow, distribute, pack and market fresh organic produce, to sell here in the Americas. This international trade show and conference provides the ideal opportunity for organic professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas, source new products and services, and do business with the industry’s leading growers, distributors, packer and retailers.

Organic Trade Association will have a presence GOPEX 2020, check back soon for more details. Contact Angela Jagiello for more information. 

Expo Information:

January 9-11, 2020

Fontainebleau Luxury Hotel

Miami Beach, FL

The Georgia Organics Annual Conference is taking place February 7-8, 2020 in Athens, GA. The annual Georgia Organics Conference & Expo is about fostering community – a community of farmers on the path toward prosperity, and a community of Georgians interested in supporting healthier foods, farms, and families. As we move our conference around the state, we help grow a united good food movement. We learn and share challenges and solutions, and we showcase and celebrate the transformational work of the people in our movement.

Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking on the following panel at the Conference. For more information, contact Johanna Mirenda. 

Really Really Organic: the Next Generation of Labels | Friday, February 7, 2020 | 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Andrew Smith, Rodale Institute; Johanna Mirenda, Organic Trade Association; Linley Dixon, Real Organic Project

Sustainably minded growers can now choose between several labels meant to convey how green the farm is, including Real Organic Project certification, USDA Organic Certification, and Regenerative Organic Certification. Hear from members of the Rodale Institue, Organic Trade Association, and Real Organic Project on how and why these labels serve the eco-conscious grower, and consumer demand. This session is best for farmers, educators, good food advocates, and community organizers. Target Audience: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Farmers.

Conference Information:

February 7-8, 2020

The Classics Center

Athens, GA

The Global Organic Textile Standard [GOTS] Annual Meeting is taking place February 15-19, 2020 in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwenodlyn Wyard, is a member of the GOTS Standards Committee and will be attending the Committee meeting on Monday, February 17. Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, is a member of the GOTS Advisory Council and will be attending the Council meeting on Wednesday, February 18. 

The GOTS Annual Meeting is invite only and not open to the public. Contact Gwendolyn Wyard for additional information. 

The North American Agricultural Journalists [NAAJ] Annual Meeting is taking place April 26-28, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Meeting sessions generally include a business meeting Sunday afternoon following by a pay-your-own group dinner, a variety of newsmakers followed by the banquet and writing awards celebration at the National Press Club on Monday, and visits with elected officials on Tuesday.

Organic Trade Association staff will be attending the meeting. Contact Maggie McNeil, Organic Trade Association's Director of Media Relations, for more information or to connect at the Meeting!

Meeting Information:

April 26-28, 2020 

Washington, D.C. 

The Organic Trade Association Winter Board Meeting will take place on March 3, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PCT. The Board Meeting will be taking place in Anaheim, CA while the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors is in town for the Natural Products Expo West tradeshow. 

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger.

Meeting Information:

March 3, 2020 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PCT

FoodEx Japan is taking place March 10-13, 2020 in Toyko, Japan. 

FOODEX JAPAN is the Asia's largest exhibition dedicated on food and drink across Japan and the whole world. Over the 4 days of the exhibition, about 85,000 buyers from food service, distribution, and trading companies are expected to attend.Attention will be given to the expansion of business opportunities domestically and internationally upon the activation of the TPP. Numerous buyers will also be attending from abroad, and business talks will be held with domestic and international manufacturers.

Organic Trade Association will be hosting a pavilion of 8 U.S. organic companies at the show. The registration fee for new exhibitors is $600 and for $1,000 for returning exhibitors. Because we have limited space at this event, each application is subject to approval. Participation is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, if you are interested in participating!

Participation includes: 

(1) round trip economy flight to Tokyo (booked through an Organic Trade Association travel agent),
(1) single hotel room for the duration of the activity,
(1) 1m table top counter display within the Organic Trade Association booth in the USA pavilion,
Logo screening and other marketing materials,
An interpreter shared among exhibitors,
and (1) group dinner and buyer dinner support.
Please note that all other expenses, such as meals, samples, shipping costs, and the cost to and from the airport, are at your own cost.

Organic Trade Association Pavilion Information:

FoodEx Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Show Dates:  March 10th - March 13th
Arrive in Tokyo: March 8th
Depart Tokyo: March 14th

SIAL Canada is taking place April 15-17, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. SIAL Canada is now the only event of its scale in Canada, with more than 1,000 national and international exhibitors from 50 countries hosting over 18,500 buyers from Canada, the U.S., and 60 other countries. SIAL Canada is the only national trade show that offers a complete range of food products under one roof to meet your customers’ expectations. Whether you work in the retail, catering or food processing industry, or you’re simply looking for new and innovative products or regional specialties from around the world, you’ll find exactly what you need right here.

Organic Trade Association will be hosting a pavilion of U.S. organic companies at the show in 2020! The registration fee for new exhibitors is $600, and $800 for return participants. Because we have limited space at this event, each application is subject to approval. Participation is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note only processed product / ingredient suppliers will be accepted for this show. Contact Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, if you are interested in participating. 

Your registration fee includes:

(1) round trip economy flight to Montreal (booked through an Organic Trade Association travel agent),
(1) single hotel room for the duration of the activity,
(1) 1m table top counter display within the Organic Trade Association booth in the USA pavilion,
Logo screening and other marketing materials,
and (1) group dinner and buyer dinner support.
Please note that all other expenses, such as meals, samples, shipping costs, and the cost to and from the airport, are at the participants' own expense.

Organic Trade Association Pavilion Exhibit Information: 

SIAL Canada
Location: Montreal, Canada
Show site: Palais des congres de Montreal
Show Dates:  April 15th - April 17th
Arrive in Montreal: April 13th
Departure: April 17th or 18th

ORGANIC TRADE ASSOCIATION’S ORGANIC WEEK IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
JUNE 8-10, 2020 | INTERCONTINENTAL—AT THE WHARF ON D.C.’s WATERFRONT

THREE DAYS. ONE LOCATION. COUNTLESS CONNECTIONS.
From congressional hearings on the Hill to action at USDA, policies and positions in Congress and on the campaign trail will shape the 2020 organic agenda. Don’t fall behind. The Organic Trade Association’s 2020 Organic Week in Washington, D.C. will offer clarity on what’s happening now and how you can prepare for the future.
Whether you’re fresh off the tractor or right out of the boardroom, Organic Week is a place of discovery, collaboration and advocacy. Join us for an unprecedented 72-hours in the nation’s capital to advance organic policy priorities and discuss the future of organic.

THREE DAYS

Day 1 will have you rolling up your sleeves and finding solutions (Monday, June 8)
MEMBER DAY starts with a workshop on repairing the public-private partnership and advancing continuous improvement in organic. It’s been 30 years since Congress passed the law that established the national organic program. What should the future of organic look like for the next 30 years? A day of roundtable discussions and thought provoking breakouts will be finished off by a networking reception and celebratory dinner honoring our inspirational Leadership Award winners.

Day 2 will leave you inspired (Tuesday, June 9)
CONFERENCE DAY is a powerful gathering of hundreds of organic industry leaders, coalition partners and government officials. You’ll learn what’s really at stake and how to help shape decisions made in Washington that directly impact organic. An optional evening boat tour from the Wharf will support elected leaders who make organic food, fiber and farming a priority in policy decisions.

Day 3 will have you on your feet (Wednesday, June 10)
ADVOCACY DAY is a meaningful way to lend your voice and help educate the nation’s top policymakers on the importance of organic. Members will work in small teams to attend hundreds of pre-scheduled meetings across Capitol Hill. We’ll toast a full day of advocating for organic with cocktails and appetizers, side by side with policy makers, during our Congressional Reception.

Monday’s Member Day workshops and Wednesday’s Advocacy Day meetings are offered exclusively to Organic Trade Association Members. To learn more about the many benefits of membership contact the Organic Trade Association.

ONE LOCATION

The InterContinental at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. is the Organic Week headquarters hotel where all activities will be based. Book our Residency Package to enhance your opportunities to meet with colleagues, share experiences and enjoy the convenience of one central location (that’s right, no Uber’s needed).

Ranked #1 on Conde Nast Traveler's best D.C. hotels, the InterContinental is located on the Potomac River with incredible views in D.C.’s recently revitalized Southwest waterfront promenade. Organic Week attendees will settle in to this beautiful location to learn together and work together.  You will be steps away from award winning restaurants and bars, recreational activities, a newly opened concert hall and D.C.’s original fish market. When you book the Organic Week Residency Package, you get luxurious accommodations and tremendous convenience. All workshops, meetings, and conference sessions will be held on-site, making it easy to return to your room for breaks (or work).

The Organic Week Residency Package gives you the VIP experience and full access to: Member Day Workshops + Leadership Awards Dinner + Annual Membership Meeting + Conference Day + Advocacy Day + Congressional Reception + 4 nights’ at the InterContinental + all organic food and beverage.

COUNTLESS CONNECTIONS

Organic Week in Washington D.C. is a one of a kind opportunity to gain strategic insights, new advocacy tools and valuable personal connections. There will be countless opportunities for connecting with attendees and sponsors whether at the rooftop pool, the hotel bar, or during our exclusive networking breakfasts.
Join us for the event that unites the entire organic sector to take action on issues at the forefront of organic food, agriculture and trade priorities.

Registration will be opening soon. Interested in sponsorship? Contact Cassandra Christine, Organic Trade Association's Director of Industry Relations, to learn more about Organic Week 2020 sponsorship opportunites. 

The Organic Trade Association Winter Board Meeting will take place on June 11, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. The Board Meeting will be taking place in Washington, D.C. while OTA's Board of Directors is in town for Organic Week 2020. 

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger.

Meeting Information:

June 11, 2020 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST

The Organic World Congress (OWC) is taking place September 21-27, 2020 in Rennes, France. 

The organic sector assembles to host the Organic World Congress (OWC), the world’s largest organic gathering, every three years. Drawing from the motto, ‘From its Roots, Organic Inspires Life‘, OWC 2020 will aim to provide organic and likeminded stakeholders working toward sustainable agriculture, value chains, and consumption with an opportunity to exchange their knowledge, innovations, and experiences. The congress offers momentum and inspiration to all who take part and is seen as a leading event for the global organic sector.

Organic Trade Association staff will be attending the Organic World Congress, as well as participating in some of the sessions. Check back soon for more details on 2020 session topics! 

For more informatoin, contact Angela Jagiello, Organic Trade Association's Director of Education & Insights. 

SIAL Paris is taking place October 18-22, 2020 in Paris, France. SIAL Paris is the worlds largest food innovation exhibition. 

Organic Trade Assocation will be hosting a pavilion of 8 U.S. organic companies at SIAL Paris 2020. The registration fee new exhibitors is $600 and for $1,000 for returning exhibitors. Because we have limited space at this event, each application is subject to approval. Participation is based on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to new exhibitors. Contact Alexis Carey, Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, if you are interested in participating! 

The participation fee includes:

(1) round trip economy flight to Paris (booked through an Organic Trade Association travel agent),
(1) single hotel room for the duration of the activity,
(1) 1m table top counter display within the Organic Trade Association booth in the USA pavilion,
Logo screening and other marketing materials,
An interpreter shared among exhibitors
(1) group dinner and buyer dinner support.
Please note that all other expenses, such as meals, samples, shipping costs, and the cost to and from the airport, are at your own cost.

SIAL Paris Information:
Location: Paris, France
Show site: Parc de expositions Paris Nord Villepinte
Show Dates:  October 18th - October 22nd
Arrive in Paris: October 16th or 17th
Depart Paris: October 23rd