Wednesday - Friday, November 6-8, 2024

Mobile, Alabama

The 2025 Southern Regional Conference is being organized by Georgia Organics in partnership with leaders from 12 sister states and two U.S. territories. This event will build on the legacy of previous Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG) conferences, while envisioning a future that prioritizes sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices for small to mid-sized farmers. The conference will also emphasize themes of joy, renewal, and diversity. 

OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger will be participating in a concurrent session on Organic Transition. 

Additionally, Dr. Elias Miller, Manager of Science Programs at The Organic Center, will be present at the event with a booth.

November 15-17, 2024

Montogomery, AL

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Tuskegee University, Clif Bar and The Organic Center are collaborating to host an in-person convening event titled Cultivating the Future of Organic Agriculture in the Southeastern US: How Advancing Equity and Inclusion will Strengthen the Organic Movement. The convening will focus on bringing together stakeholders from across the Southeast. The goal is to create a dynamic space for discussion among organic and organic-aligned producers and researchers at 1890s universities, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organic farming communities, farmer groups and other federal and non-federal partners. The event will be held in conjunction with the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in Montgomery, Alabama on November 15-17, 2024. There will be multiple panel discussions with producers as well as non-profits and government representatives, followed by breakout groups to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities for BIPOC growers in the organic space. The in-person convening builds upon the outcomes of the December 2023 virtual event, which identified the following barriers and opportunities unique to the Southeast that are discussed in more detail in the convening report:

• The role of consumer education and market development
• The need for increased communication, education and outreach
• The need for cultural competence
• The need for resources and research funding to address challenges

There will be an optional Welcome Reception on Friday November 15 and an optional farm tour on Sunday November 17. More information about the farm tour is included here. If you are interested in either of these optional events, please indicate your willingness to attend on the registration form.

OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger will be moderating The Need for Cultural Competence panel during this event.

November 15-17, 2024

Montogomery, AL

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Tuskegee University, Clif Bar and The Organic Center are collaborating to host an in-person convening event titled Cultivating the Future of Organic Agriculture in the Southeastern US: How Advancing Equity and Inclusion will Strengthen the Organic Movement. The convening will focus on bringing together stakeholders from across the Southeast. The goal is to create a dynamic space for discussion among organic and organic-aligned producers and researchers at 1890s universities, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organic farming communities, farmer groups and other federal and non-federal partners. The event will be held in conjunction with the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) in Montgomery, Alabama on November 15-17, 2024. There will be multiple panel discussions with producers as well as non-profits and government representatives, followed by breakout groups to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities for BIPOC growers in the organic space. The in-person convening builds upon the outcomes of the December 2023 virtual event, which identified the following barriers and opportunities unique to the Southeast that are discussed in more detail in the convening report:

• The role of consumer education and market development
• The need for increased communication, education and outreach
• The need for cultural competence
• The need for resources and research funding to address challenges

There will be an optional Welcome Reception on Friday November 15 and an optional farm tour on Sunday November 17. More information about the farm tour is included here. If you are interested in either of these optional events, please indicate your willingness to attend on the registration form.

OTA Vice President of Operations Stephanie Jerger will be moderating The Need for Cultural Competence panel during this event.

November 17-19, 2024 Montgomery, Alabama

The Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) is a forum committed to a world that values and promotes equal opportunity equitable access to information and technology for sustainable development of communities and natural resources. The conference began in 1942 mainly with Tuskegee University and local and state support and participation. It is now national in scope including representatives from the national land grant community, and from the state, federal, and private sectors.

Dr. Amber Sciligo, The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs will be in attendance. 

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.

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.