The fourth annual Organic & Non-GMO Forum will take place on October 29-30, 2018 in St. Louis, MO. 

Hundreds of producers, processors, merchandisers and service providers in the industry will gather to discuss the most pressing issues. From what’s new in gene editing tools to how the long-awaited USDA National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard is shaping up to what’s being done to stop fraud in the organic sector, the forum’s accomplished speakers will deliver on the latest developments.

At the Forum, Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the Organic Trade Association (OTA), will shine a light on the ongoing concerns about food disclosure and fraud in the organic sector. In “Addressing Vulnerability to Fraud: A GOSCI Task Force Update”, Wyard will highlight the efforts of the Global Organic Supply Chain Integrity (GOSCI), a 48-member trade group formed in 2017 by OTA to develop a fraud prevention program designed specifically for the organic industry. Thus far, the group has created a comprehensive “best practices” guide to facilitate the industry-wide implementation of systems and measures to preserve the integrity of organic, both inside and outside of the U.S., and is presently overseeing a pilot to prevent and detect fraud in the global organic system. Contact Gwendolyn Wyard with any questions. 

Meeting Information:

October 29-30, 2018

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch

St. Louis, MO

The Winter Board Meeting Phone Conference will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 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 5, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST

Phone Conference

The 44th Winter Fancy Food Show, organized by the Specialty Food Association, will take place January 13-15, 2019 in San Francisco. This show will feature 1,400+ exhibitors from around the globe promoting 80,000+ specialty foods and beverages.

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development, Cassandra Christine, will be attending to walk the show floor. If you'd like to connect with us at Winter Fancy, contact Cassandra Christine! 

Trade Show Information:

January 13-15, 2019

Mascone Center

San Francisco, CA

The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) will present the 39th annual EcoFarm Conference January 23 - 26, 2019 in Pacific Grove, CA - Featuring over 70 workshops, intensives, keynote speakers, an exhibitor marketplace, seed swap, awards banquet, live entertainment, mixers, and organic culinary fare. Workshops offer practical and cutting edge information on crop production, livestock, soil health, marketing, distribution, and food systems. As the oldest and largest organic farming conference in the West, EcoFarm is a prime networking and educational hub for farmers, ranchers, distributors, retailers, activists, researchers, and educators.

The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, Jessica Shade, will be leading the following workshop at the Conference on January 24th from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.:

Organic Truths and Lies – the REAL Science Behind the Benefits of Organic
Moderator: Lisa J. Bunin, PhD, Organic Advocacy;
Speakers: Jessica Shade, PhD; The Organic Center; Asa Bradman, PhD, University of California, Berkeley.

Every year  scientific research on the benefits of organic grows and so does the  spread of misinformation about the effects of organic on our health and environment. This workshop will dispel the myths and highlight what some of the most recent scientific studies say, and don’t say about how organic agriculture impacts our communities and ecosystems. You can rest assured that the benefits are enormous. For example, research has shown  that on average, organic farms have 44 percent higher levels of humic acid—the component of soil that sequesters carbon over the long term—than soils not managed organically. Come hear the latest and greatest about how organic fits into positive strategies to improve soil health, biodiversity, clean water, mitigate climate change, and reduce dietary and occupational exposurea to pesticides.

Organic Trade Association Board Member David Lively of Organically Grown Company is organizing an Organic Trade Association social at the EcoFarm Conference on Thursday, January 24th at 5:00 p.m. 

But What has the Organic Trade Association Done for Me Lately?
Ever wonder exactly what the Organic Trade Association (OTA) does, or how its efforts benefit you?  Or maybe you are one of those of the opinion that the OTA’s activities only serve the needs of “the big boys” and not the historic trade and the organic grower base? Here is a chance to sharpen you awareness of the many challenges facing the organic movement and trade, and learn how our most significant national organization takes them on. This event, sponsored by OTA members from the fresh produce sector, will feature OTA Executive Director Laura Batcha in a Q&A session covering the broad range of concerns and activities that occupy the OTA’s staff and members on a daily basis. The setting is casual and the refreshments first rate. This event is open to both members and non-members. Please join us for an enlightening discussion!

Conference Information:

January 23-26, 2019

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds 

Pacific Grove, CA

On February 5-6, 2019, Organic Trade Association member farmers and Farmers Advisory Council (FAC) farmers will meet in Washington, D.C. to participate in Hill and Agency Meetings. 

The Organic Trade Association's Farmers Advisory Council (FAC) provides the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors and staff with input from small- and medium-sized organic farmers, ranchers, and growers on matters pertinent to the advancement of organic agriculture, with a specific focus on OTA’s policy agenda. Established in 2013, FAC was designed to formalize and improve communication between OTA and organic producers. Through open dialog, FAC gives organic farmers a voice to directly influence OTA’s policy and enables OTA to better represent the diversity of organic producers in its policy and advocacy.

For more information about the 2019 FAC Fly-In contact the Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda. 

World Ag Expo is the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition featuring 1,450+ exhibitors and more than 100,000 attendees each year. Each year it is held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California,  starting on the second Tuesday of February. It has officially been designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as an affiliate of the Foreign Buyer Program, which encourages exportation of American made goods. 

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development, Cassandra Christine, will be attending to walk the show floor on Wednesday, February 13. If you'd like to connect with us at the World Ag Expo, contact Cassandra Christine!

Trade Show Information:

February 12-14, 2019

International Agri-Center

Tulare, California

Organicology 2019 will be taking place February 14 -16 in Portland, OR. With intensive training sessions, workshops, world class keynote speakers, amazing entertainment and networking, Organicology is a conference of its own class. Organicology seeks to bring all of the stakeholder groups to the table to not only develop skills in their own areas of activity but to gain exposure to the challenges and accomplishments of those in other areas of the trade and movement. Each day of Organicology offers different opportunities to learn.  Thursday is for intensives, Friday is for workshops and our Ark of Taste Dinner and concert, and Saturday is our Exhibitor Showcase.

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Megan DeBates, will be leading the following session at the Conference. Date and time of this presentation is TBA, check back for updates! For more information, contact Megan DeBates.  

Farm Bill & Organic Policy in 2019
Federal policy plays a critical role in supporting organic production systems, and with the process underway for enacting and implementing a new farm bill, now is the time to focus in on how to defend and strengthen key programs and policies that benefit organic producers. Additionally, transitioning to organic production remains a key barrier to meet the expanding organic demand, and now is the time to identify policy opportunities to address this gap. This workshop will provide an update from Washington, DC on the 2018-19 Farm Bill process, and dig into policies ranging from working lands conservation and crop insurance to research, certification cost share, and enhanced enforcement against fraudulent organic imports.  Policy experts will provide an update regarding the long and winding path to the 2018-19 farm bill. Come learn about key strategies and opportunities for grassroots outreach to engage and mobilize around critical organic wins as the farm bill process moves forward (or, as we work to implement the 2018 farm bill). In addition to digging into the specific programs that matter for organic producers, if the 2018 Farm Bill has not yet been passed, we will walk through the “marker bills” that have been introduced to advance critical organic priorities. Finally, the 116th Congress will be in place in early 2019, so this workshop will also cover the new and returning members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, with an eye to members of the Organic Caucus who will be instrumental for championing our organic priorities throughout the farm bill writing and implementation process. This workshop will also involve feedback from the audience regarding policy needs and options.

Organic Trade Association Board Member David Lively of Organically Grown Company is organizing an Organic Trade Association social at Organicology on Friday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m.

But What has the Organic Trade Association Done for Me Lately?
Ever wonder exactly what the Organic Trade Association (OTA) does, or how its efforts benefit you?  Or maybe you are one of those of the opinion that the OTA’s activities only serve the needs of “the big boys” and not the historic trade and the organic grower base? Here is a chance to sharpen you awareness of the many challenges facing the organic movement and trade, and learn how our most significant national organization takes them on. This event, sponsored by OTA members from the fresh produce sector, will feature OTA Executive Director Laura Batcha in a Q&A session covering the broad range of concerns and activities that occupy the OTA’s staff and members on a daily basis. The setting is casual and the refreshments first rate. This event is open to both members and non-members. Please join us for an enlightening discussion!

Conference Information:

February 14-16, 2019

Hilton Portland Downtown

Portland, OR

FOODEX JAPAN is the Asia's largest exhibition dedicated on food and drink across Japan and the whole world, taking place March 3-8 in Tokyo.  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.

The Organic Trade Association will host a pavilion at the show for U.S. organic companies. If you are interested in participating, contact OTA's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey!

Trade Show Information:

March 3-8, 2019

Venue - Makuhari Messe

Tokyo, Japan

Organic Week in Washington, D.C., is the Organic Trade Association’s signature event and the only one of its kind. Save the date for Organic Week 2019 taking place May 20-23! 

It is a celebration of the organic supply chain. Small organic producers to major growers, family-run organic operations to nationwide companies, researchers and policy advocates to distributors and retailers will all come together to advance organic policy priorities.

It is a week of education and advocacy. Join discussions on federal policy issues critical to our nation’s nearly $50 billion organic sector. Take action on issues at the forefront of organic food, agriculture and trade priorities. Make a difference in Washington, D.C., and bring tools to advance organic back to your home state.

It is an unforgettable experience. Through keynote speeches by national thought leaders, inspiring moments from the business sector, and intimate networking opportunities, you will experience the impact of the organic sector in one powerful week.

The Annual OTA Board Retreat Meeting will be taking place in Monterey, CA on July 8-9, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST.

The Organic Trade Association Board will be in Monterey for the Organic Produce Summit, taking place July 10-11, 2019. 

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger. 

Meeting Information:

July 8-9, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST

Monterey, CA

Natural Products Expo East continues to be the East Coast's leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, attracting over 28,000 industry professionals and 1,900 exhibits to the Baltimore Convention Center, September 11-14, 2019. 

The Organic Trade Association will be exhibiting and will organize the All Things Organic Conference education sessions as well as host international buyers meetings and organic stakeholder meetings at the show.

Save the date for the Organic Trade Association's Annual Membership Meeting and Leadership Awards Celebration hosted in conjunction with Expo East, taking place on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. 

Check back soon for updates on all of these events taking place at Expo East 2019. More info available on the Organic at Expo East page of our website. 

Trade Show Information: 

September 11-14, 2019

Baltimore Convention Center

Baltimore, MD 

Anuga, taking place October 5-9, 2019 in Cologne, Germany, is the largest trade fair in the world and the most important industry meeting point. In 2017, there were 7,405 exhibitors and around 165,000 visitors at the show. With ten trade shows, an informative event program and the largest participation of exhibitors, 2019 is shaping up to be the number one event again.

The Organic Trade Association will host a pavilion at the show for U.S. organic companies. If you are interested in participating, contact OTA's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey! 

Trade Show Information:

October 5-9, 2019

Cologne, Germany