Join us to learn about the issues defining organic during regularly scheduled monthly webinars.
The Organic Trade Association is your source for organic industry news and information. With our expert staff, board, and member communities, the Organic Trade Association and The Organic Center are uniquely positioned to keep you informed on the regulatory, scientific, and business conversations at the heart of organic. Webinars are offered free to members as a trade association benefit. For more information on our webinars, please contact Adrienne Messe, Director of Events.
Green and Orange
Check back soon for additional upcoming education offerings!
Check back soon for additional upcoming education offerings!
The Organic Trade Association is dedicated to providing the insight you and your team need to advance organic. If you missed the opportunity to participate in one of our live webinars, you can continue your organic education by registering to view our on-demand Webinars.
Red
This webinar was presented on Thursday, November 21, 2024
USDA organic regulations generally require the use of organic ingredients, with a few limited exceptions. These exceptions are allowed only when an organic version of an ingredient is not “commercially available” and the ingredient is include on the National list. The National Organic Standards Board has been evaluating how to determine commercial availability and challenges presented in determining if an ingredient is available as organic. If you’ve ever wondered how commercial availability is determined, or when the organic supply is sufficient to remove an exception, this session is for you! Join experts from certifying bodies, organic brands and formulators, ingredient suppliers, and a member of the National Organic Standards Board for an in-depth discussion of the challenges and opportunities related to sourcing and supply of organic ingredients.
- Speakers:
- Adam Seitz, QAI
- Mike Crotser Organic Valley
- Kim Huseman, NOSB Handler/Processor Representative
- Leo Schoenauer, Marroquin/Agrana
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*Open to OTA Members only
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meets biannually to discuss a range of topics impacting the organic industry, as well as to review substances for use in organic production. The Board will convene October 22-24, 2024 in Portland, OR, where it will engage in discussions on a variety of topics and complete its review of this year’s round of National List substances scheduled to sunset. Topic areas of particular interest at this upcoming meeting include the Board’s work on consistency in organic seed use, residue testing for a global supply chain, continuing work on compost definitions and its use in organic production, the effort to replace EPA List 3 and 4 Inerts with a suitable alternative reference, and a petition to add meloxicam to the National List as a livestock medical treatment. Join this webinar for a review of this upcoming NOSB meeting agenda!
- Speakers:
- Kyla Smith, NOSB Board Chair and certifier rep.
- Amy Bruch, NOSB Vice Chair and organic producer rep.
- Nate Lewis, NOSB Secretary and Environmental Protection and Resource Conservationist
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*Open to OTA Members only
Wednesday August 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST.
After a spring of blustery political winds from congressional ag committees that seemed to be moving the Farm Bill ship, we are now officially in the doldrums. The chances for a pre-election Farm Bill are remote, and the likelihood of a lame duck Congress diving into this after the elections is fading. The Organic Trade Association is taking this moment to pause, assess, redesign and modernize our government affairs function to take on the new reality of our nation’s political landscape. In doing so we’ve brought on Monument Advocacy, a bipartisan agency with strong agriculture, food company, and trade association expertise. Monument will be assisting us in the development of new strategy and tactics to enable us to most effectively represent the organic community in DC. Join us on August 28th at 1 p.m. EST for a webinar with OTA and Monument teams to get an update on current state of play in DC, a discussion of what the future might hold, and a sneak preview on how OTA will be moving forward for the organic sector in 2025.
*Open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on Tuesday June 18, 2024
With the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule now fully in play, we are already seeing gains in organic integrity across the trade. The SOE rule requires certification of all but a narrow set of exemptions, requires that all organic imports carry an electronic import certificate, and requires active verification of supply chain traceability. These new measures are driving a new era of data and transparency.
Join OTA and USDA National Organic Program staff for a peek into NOP enforcement activities and how SOE is providing the tools for greater oversight of the organic supply chain. Ever wonder what happens when a complaint is filed with NOP? Learn how to compose an effective and actionable complaint, what to expect when a complaint is lodged, and SOE’s role in strengthening this process.
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*This webinar is open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Join Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association and Nancy Coulter-Parker, Director of Content Marketing at New Hope Network for an insightful webinar reviewing the findings of the recent Organic Industry Survey. This annual survey, conducted for over two decades, is recognized as the most comprehensive analysis of the American retail organic market, capturing essential trends and insights into the organic sector's growth and challenges. The Organic Industry Survey webinar will provide participants with a detailed look at key trends currently seen in organic, including total market size, segment market growth, trade insights on shifts in the market including retail channel, imports and exports. We will also discuss some trending consumer behaviors and their potential impact on current and future shifts in organic product sales as younger generations seek value-based purchasing. This session is crucial for anyone involved in the organic trade, from producers and suppliers to retailers and brands, offering unique data-driven insights to inform business strategies.
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*This webinar is open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on April 4, 2024
Join OTA Co-CEOs Matthew Dillion and Tom Chapman and Sherry Frey, VP of Total Wellness from NielsenIQ for an exclusive first look at the trade association’s upcoming Consumer Perception of USDA Organic and Competing Label Claims study. OTA recently partnered with Euromonitor International to conduct a comprehensive consumer survey to evaluate shoppers’ knowledge, attitudes and willingness to pay regarding organic products. Learn how USDA Organic stacks up against various claims and certifications, including regenerative, natural and more, to assess its standing in the marketplace.
During this discussion-based overview, OTA will share effective strategies for educating consumers and promoting USDA Organic products based on the findings. Additionally, we will hear from Sherry Frey, on trends and the shifting consumer behavior. NieslenIQ will deep dive different consumer cohorts, review different claims that resonate, as well as strategies to capitalize on messaging with the consumer.
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*Open to OTA Members only
Green
Presented Wednesday, December 14th
In 2022, following the adoption of a sweeping JEDI Commitment, Organic Trade Association made several decisive steps toward cultivating a more diverse and equitable organic industry. As we close out this eventful year, we have the opportunity to reassess the landscape and identify new ways to foster a more inclusive and just organic sector. Our panel will call attention to some of the challenges that disproportionately impact farmers of color. Attendees will hear from the team of academic fellows who led the work to establish OTA’s Diversity Resource Library. We’ll also discuss finance – existing impediments and new opportunities – for diverse and underrepresented organic farmers (and other entrepreneurs).
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Carolina Mueller, Coalitions Manager | National Young Farmers Coalition
- Katrina Pitts, Doctoral Student & Diversity Fellow | Morgan State University & Organic Trade Association
- Robyn O’Brien, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Impact | rePlant Capital
- Seanicaa Edwards Herron, Founder and Executive Director | Freedmen Heirs Foundation
- Tracy Favre, Owner | Fig Hill Consulting (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
WATCH NOW
The webinar was recorded. Learn more about our Diversity initiatives.
Presented December 8, 2021 by The Organic Center
Black farmers have a rich history and promising future in the United States, even though the Black history of agriculture is often reduced 
to slavery and cotton plantations. In Farming While Black (2018), Leah Penniman argues that justice for Black people, farmers and otherwise, requires learning about Black histories of agriculture, creating new experiences in the natural world, and getting in touch with our food systems. With a panel of Black scholars, farmers, and activists, in this webinar we explore what justice for Black farmers is today, what it has been in the past, and what it can be in the future.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Maya Allen, PhD student in Botany | The University of New Mexico
- Laquanda Dobson, Chef and Farming Activist
- Ashley Gripper, PhD Candidate in Environmental Epidemiology | Harvard University
- Teona Williams, PhD Candidate in History | Yale University
- Jayson Porter, PhD candidate in History | Northwestern University & Social Justice Intern | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
Watch Now
Green Lemon
Presented Friday, July 14 at 1:00 pm Eastern / 10:00 am Pacific
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) created the Organic Opportunity Toolkit to help members communicate the benefits of organic to a variety of stakeholders including retailers and shoppers. The centerpiece of the Toolkit is the Organic Wheel of Sustainability, which visually depicts organic’s proven benefits in three discreet areas: Good for the Planet, Good for People and Animals, and Good for Business. Whichever sustainability benefits are most important to your business, from reducing greenhouse gases to regenerating soil health, there is only one label that addresses the full suite of consumer preferences AND is backed by federal certification: USDA Organic. Join us to explore how you can communicate the positive environmental and planetary health impacts of your organic products and company.
Our Toolkit includes materials to help your business communicate the major benefits of organic’s complex system through science-backed resources. At this webinar, we will dive deep into organic’s benefits for the planet, by exploring the talking points and citations in the Good for the Planet section of the Organic Wheel of Sustainability, and helping you identify strategies to integrate and leverage the Toolkit resources to your company’s audiences – think social media, Annual Reports, packaging, and more! We’ll be joined by organic and sustainability communication experts who will share examples of how their companies have incorporated components of the “Organic is Good for the Planet” story into their educational, communications, and marketing efforts and answer your questions.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Adrienne Messe, Associate Director, Events & Solutions | Organic Trade Association
- Brita Lundberg, Communications Manager | Lundberg Family Farms
- Britt Lundgren, Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Farms (Moderator)
- Charlotte Vallaeys, Natural and Organic Associate Expert | General Mills
- Chris Schreiner, Executive Director | Oregon Tilth
- What you'll learn:
- The science behind the Organic Wheel of Sustainability with a focus on the Good for the Planet section
- How other members have used the Organic Opportunity Toolkit in internal and external communications
- The value of other members-only resources, like the Resource Guide and customizable deck
Open to OTA members only
ACCESS THE RECORDING
This webinar will be recorded and shared with all members who register within 1 business day.
Presented Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
National retailers are launching sustainability initiatives that give favorable treatment to brands that market “regenerative practices” or maintain 3rd-party sustainability certifications. In some cases, these initiatives overlook USDA Organic as a federally-enforced certification that fulfills these goals and more! Has your company had trouble getting its organic products recognized as sustainable? Are you looking for data-driven tools to help your sales or marketing teams articulate the environmental, health, social, and economic benefits of organic? Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, and our speakers to learn about the organic opportunity and how we, as a trade association, can collectively educate on the benefits and contributions of organic to sustaining the health of the planet, people, and communities.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Matthew Dillon, OTA Board of Directors member & Chief Sustainability Office | Farmer Focus
- Britt Lundgren, OTA Board of Directors Secretary & Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Organic
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Our speakers worked with an Organic Trade Association (OTA) member task force over the past year to develop a Resource Guide and Data-Driven Communications Toolkit to help your business position USDA Organic as the original climate-smart label – and the gold standard within sustainability initiatives.
- During the webinar you’ll:
- Gain an exclusive first look at the contents of the toolkit;
- Learn how the toolkit can be used by each business to collectively help ensure that USDA Organic is recognized within retailer sustainability programs; and,
- Find out about future training opportunities on the toolkit and how to implement it within your business.
Open to OTA members only
REGISTER
The webinar was recorded. Register today to view the toolkit and webinar as OTA member-exclusive offerings. If you are not sure about your membership status, please reach out to Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Blue and Orange
Wednesday August 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST.
After a spring of blustery political winds from congressional ag committees that seemed to be moving the Farm Bill ship, we are now officially in the doldrums. The chances for a pre-election Farm Bill are remote, and the likelihood of a lame duck Congress diving into this after the elections is fading. The Organic Trade Association is taking this moment to pause, assess, redesign and modernize our government affairs function to take on the new reality of our nation’s political landscape. In doing so we’ve brought on Monument Advocacy, a bipartisan agency with strong agriculture, food company, and trade association expertise. Monument will be assisting us in the development of new strategy and tactics to enable us to most effectively represent the organic community in DC. Join us on August 28th at 1 p.m. EST for a webinar with OTA and Monument teams to get an update on current state of play in DC, a discussion of what the future might hold, and a sneak preview on how OTA will be moving forward for the organic sector in 2025.
*Open to OTA Members only
Presented November 8, 2023
OTA's Government Affairs team walks us through the policies and status of OTA endorsed marker bills:
- Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act - the latest version of OTA's regulatory reform bill which provides a pathway for updates to organic standards on a five year timeline
- Organic Market Development (OMD) Act - permanent enactment of the USDA OMD grant program to ensure long term federal investment in organic infrastructure and a resilient domestic supply chain
- Strengthening Organic Agriculture Research (SOAR) Act - expands federal research to continue to help organic producers continue to meet a growing demand.
Additionally, the team covers the status of the Farm Bill, where the process currently sits and possible impacts on the organic sector regarding the timing of an extension should the standard process is not completed before the end of the year. Finally, the team reviews the upcoming opportunities for how you can make a difference in achieving passage of these priorities and others in the organic space.
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented Monday, May 1, 2023 - 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
You’ve learned our Advocacy Day 101 and how to use the App, and you are excited to be advocating in DC. In the days leading up to #OrganicWeekDC 2023, join Peter Mihalick, OTA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, as he details the OTA asks and how to relate those to your business’ story. During this session, we’ll have our Hill materials for you to review and ask questions about. All Advocacy Day participants are expected to attend this session. If you are unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and shared to all participants.
- Presenters:
- Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Laura Holm, Legislative and Farm Policy Associate | Organic Trade Association
Open to all OTA Advocacy Day registrants
For more information about the briefing, please reach out to Libby Mucciarone and Laura Holm if you are registered for Advocacy Day. This briefing was recorded and available at our Hill Visits Resource Page.
Friday, April 21, 2023 - 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
Whether you’re an expert lobbyist or new to lobbying on the Hill, join OTA’s Government Affairs team as we walk you through what to expect and how to prepare for a successful Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Our staff - Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Laura Holm, Government Affairs Associate – will walk you through what to expect for the #OrganicWeekDC Advocacy Day experience, including how you’ll travel to your meetings, how to interact with the Members of Congress and their staff, where to grab lunch or coffee nearby, what to wear, and best practices to prepare with and find your team and Team Leader.
Join us to learn how to best position your business's story and what moves the needle on the Hill. Lincoln Clapper from Advocacy Associates will also join us to show you how use the App, where and when to find your Hill materials, how to access your schedule, and how to find support throughout your time on the Hill. This can’t-miss session is for anyone lobbying the Hill on Thursday, May 11th and will be recorded for those who are unable to view live. We highly encourage all Advocacy Day participants to attend.
- Presenters:
- Lincoln Clapper, Chief Sales Officer | Advocacy Associates
- Laura Holm, Government Affairs Associate | Organic Trade Association
- Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Grace Bellone, Sr. Legislative Assistant, Representative John Curtis R-UT | U.S. House of Representatives
Open to all OTA Advocacy Day registrants
For more information about the briefing, please reach out to Libby Mucciarone and Laura Holm if you are registered for Advocacy Day. This session will be recorded for all participants.
Gray
This webinar was presented on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Join Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association and Nancy Coulter-Parker, Director of Content Marketing at New Hope Network for an insightful webinar reviewing the findings of the recent Organic Industry Survey. This annual survey, conducted for over two decades, is recognized as the most comprehensive analysis of the American retail organic market, capturing essential trends and insights into the organic sector's growth and challenges. The Organic Industry Survey webinar will provide participants with a detailed look at key trends currently seen in organic, including total market size, segment market growth, trade insights on shifts in the market including retail channel, imports and exports. We will also discuss some trending consumer behaviors and their potential impact on current and future shifts in organic product sales as younger generations seek value-based purchasing. This session is crucial for anyone involved in the organic trade, from producers and suppliers to retailers and brands, offering unique data-driven insights to inform business strategies.
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*This webinar is open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on April 4, 2024
Join OTA Co-CEOs Matthew Dillion and Tom Chapman and Sherry Frey, VP of Total Wellness from NielsenIQ for an exclusive first look at the trade association’s upcoming Consumer Perception of USDA Organic and Competing Label Claims study. OTA recently partnered with Euromonitor International to conduct a comprehensive consumer survey to evaluate shoppers’ knowledge, attitudes and willingness to pay regarding organic products. Learn how USDA Organic stacks up against various claims and certifications, including regenerative, natural and more, to assess its standing in the marketplace.
During this discussion-based overview, OTA will share effective strategies for educating consumers and promoting USDA Organic products based on the findings. Additionally, we will hear from Sherry Frey, on trends and the shifting consumer behavior. NieslenIQ will deep dive different consumer cohorts, review different claims that resonate, as well as strategies to capitalize on messaging with the consumer.
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*Open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
In January 2024, the Organic Trade Association was thrilled to announce that Matthew Dillon has joined OTA as co-CEO, working side by side with co-CEO Tom Chapman. Join our Co-CEO Meet & Greet to learn more about their shared vision for the trade association and how the leadership addition will support the continued growth and improvement of the organic sector. Tom and Matthew will be available for a live Q&A, we encourage you to pre-submit questions with your registration.
Tom and Matthew bring an incredible depth and breadth of leadership to the organization. Collectively, they have more than four decades of experience in organic – across a large breadth of the industry, including farming, seed sector, supply chain, consumer packaged goods, certification and regulation, and government affairs – this is truly a dynamic duo with a history of success as well as partnership.
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*Open to OTA Members Only
This webinar was presented on Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Join New Hope Network and HowGood to learn more about Beacon Discovery, the anytime-anywhere discovery and engagement platform for natural products brands and retailers. Beacon Discovery was created as a way to help buyers navigate the many booths at Natural Products Expo, and now, Beacon is available for retailers to connect with brands 365 days a year. HowGood’s Sustainability Impact Estimates allows brands on the platform to showcase their sustainability goals and track key metrics for continued benchmarking. Don’t miss this opportunity for a first-hand tutorial about how best to utilize these tools to help maximize your business connections year-round.
Organic Trade Association (OTA) members are eligible for exclusive discounts and support on Beacon Discovery:
- OTA Members who are not exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West are eligible for a 10% discount to be listed in the platform. (Beacon Discovery is included at no additional cost for those exhibiting at Expo West).
- OTA Members are also eligible for a Freemium ahead of Expo West in March, this no-cost opportunity allows members the chance to test out the platform before committing to their first year listing fee.
- Special access to “white glove” onboarding support on the Beacon Discovery Platform, to make sure all listings are setup for success.
Speakers:
- Allison Buell, Retail Audience Engagement Manager | New Hope Network
- Shelley Sapsin, Vice President of Market Integrity | New Hope Network
- Rachel Calomeni, Senior Vice President, Growth & Innovation | HowGood
ACCESS THE RECORDING
*Open to OTA Members only
Presented Wednesday, February 22
Want to learn more about the flavors, ingredients and regional influences shaping the organic food market? As we're heading into the trade show and product launch season, join the Organic Trade Association and NielsenIQ for a data-rich walkthrough of flavor trends in the growing organic sector. The data presentation will be followed by analysis from a panel of industry experts. If you are a trend watcher, sourcing director, food scientist, R&D professional, or retail merchant, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain insight into what organic shoppers are craving.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Brian Dey, Senior Merchandiser and Natural Stores Coordinator | Four Seasons Produce
- Sherry Frey, VP of Total Wellness | NielsenIQ
- Erin Harper, Global Director of Dairy | Whole Foods Market
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association (moderator)
- Meg Major, Director of Industry Relations | NielsenIQ
- Don Trouba, Director of Go-To-Market | Ciranda, Inc.
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
WATCH NOW
This webinar was recorded and shared with all approved registrants following the presentation. Registration approvals take up to two business days. If you have questions about your approval status or would like to pay to watch as a non-member, please contact Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Presented Friday, January 27
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the results of seven surveys to track certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the United States. The resulting report includes information on acreage, production, and farm gate sales, as well as production and marketing practices. NASS released its latest Organic Production survey on December 15, 2022.
During our webinar, the audience will have a chance to engage in a live Q&A session with members of the research team. We will also receive a demonstration of USDA’s Quick Stats tool, which can help bring order to this very robust set of data. As the 2023 Farm Bill process begins, demonstrating the scope, growth, and value of U.S. organic products is critical to the organic community’s ongoing advocacy efforts. This webinar will be helpful for those curious about the growth of U.S. organic, as well as those who need to communicate the impact of organic with investors, legislators, or members of the public.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics | Mercaris Corporation (Session Moderator)
- Tony Dorn, Chief of Environmental, Economics and Demographics Branch | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (
- Adam Peters, Head of Environmental and Demographics Section | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Andrew Brosier, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Daphne Schauber, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Ginger Harris, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Open to all
WATCH NOW
View the QuickStats demo
This webinar was recorded live on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Presented Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
National retailers are launching sustainability initiatives that give favorable treatment to brands that market “regenerative practices” or maintain 3rd-party sustainability certifications. In some cases, these initiatives overlook USDA Organic as a federally-enforced certification that fulfills these goals and more! Has your company had trouble getting its organic products recognized as sustainable? Are you looking for data-driven tools to help your sales or marketing teams articulate the environmental, health, social, and economic benefits of organic? Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, and our speakers to learn about the organic opportunity and how we, as a trade association, can collectively educate on the benefits and contributions of organic to sustaining the health of the planet, people, and communities.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Matthew Dillon, OTA Board of Directors member & Chief Sustainability Office | Farmer Focus
- Britt Lundgren, OTA Board of Directors Secretary & Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Organic
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Our speakers worked with an Organic Trade Association (OTA) member task force over the past year to develop a Resource Guide and Data-Driven Communications Toolkit to help your business position USDA Organic as the original climate-smart label – and the gold standard within sustainability initiatives.
- During the webinar you’ll:
- Gain an exclusive first look at the contents of the toolkit;
- Learn how the toolkit can be used by each business to collectively help ensure that USDA Organic is recognized within retailer sustainability programs; and,
- Find out about future training opportunities on the toolkit and how to implement it within your business.
Open to OTA members only
REGISTER
The webinar was recorded. Register today to view the toolkit and webinar as OTA member-exclusive offerings. If you are not sure about your membership status, please reach out to Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Benchmarking Trust in Organic
Presented Friday, May 13 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT
Global Communications leader Edelman has published its respected annual Trust Barometer for more than 20 years. The project surveys 30,000+ consumers in 28 countries, tracking trust and credibility of government, businesses, NGOs and media. Everett Eissenstat, Edelman Global Advisory’s North America Chair will share highlights of the firm’s most recent findings on trust. We will also dive into the results of recently completed work on trust specific to the organic sector. What are the drivers and potential risks to trust in the USDA organic? What sources of information are important to these individuals? And, what assumptions and expectations do shoppers have about the meaning of organic?
- Presenters:
- Everett Eisenstatt, North America Chair | Edelman Global Advisory
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
WATCH ON DEMAND
The webinar was recorded. For access to the data pack from this webinar, please contact Danielle Cote (dcote@ota.com).
Green
Presented Wednesday, July 26 at 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific (90 minutes)
Join The Organic Center when we convene researchers from Minnesota, California, and Maryland as they present their findings on the impacts of cover-crop grazing on food safety and soil health for fresh spinach and cucumbers in organic systems. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of how grazing of cover crops in fresh vegetable production systems can be implemented in 3 different climates: humid coastal, humid continental, and semi-arid. This work has been completed through funds from a USDA-ARS grant* in collaboration with The Organic Center, University of California, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and USDA-ARS. You can learn more about this project at https://www.organic-center.org/site/IntegratedLivestock
- Esteemed Speakers and Q&A Panelists:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (moderator)
- Alda Pires, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, Associate Specialist in Cooperative Extension | UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Sejin Cheong, PhD candidate Epidemiology | UC Davis, Pires Lab
- Amélie Gaudin, PhD, Associate Professor of Agroecology | UC Davis, Department of Plant Sciences
- Sequoia Williams, MSc candidate Soils and Biogeochemistry | UC Davis, Gaudin Lab
- Fawzy Hashem, PhD, Research Associate Professor | University of Maryland Eastern Shores
- Emily E. Evans, Researcher 3 | University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
- During the webinar, you'll learn:
- The goal and main outcomes of grazing cover crops in organic systems across three states with distinct climates
- The benefit and tradeoffs associated with the integration of livestock in cover-crop production for all stakeholders, including the produce and livestock industry, policymakers, and consumers
- Nutrient cycling and soil health benefits of this practice and implications to support sustainable cropping outcomes
- Cover crop and grazing strategies for adequate wait periods for increased food safety of produce in integrated-livestock cover and specialty crop production
Open to all
WATCH NOW
Learn more about this project
* Funding for this project was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant # 19-1046-001-SF. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
Presented on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific (75 minutes)
Teas, herbs, and spices have been prized for their medicinal and
culinary uses for millennia. But when you concentrate botanical ingredients to capture their beneficial attributes, undesirable traces can make their way in. Organic certification practices ensure synthetic ingredients are not used in the making of these products, and in some respects can even enhance their quality. By choosing organic teas, herbs, and spices, you also vote for healthier working conditions and improved livelihoods for farmworkers and their communities. Find out how by joining The Organic Center’s Director of Science Programs, Amber Sciligo, PhD, along with industry spice and tea experts for a live webinar and behind-the-scenes look exploring the fascinating science and trade of your favorite soothing, healing, and flavor-enhancing ingredients.- Esteemed Presenteres:
- Tony Bedard, Chief Executive Officer | Frontier Co-op
- Greg Lightfoot, Vice President of Global Business Development | Kalustyan Corporation
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Raj Vable, Founder | Young Mountain Tea
Learn more about The Organic Center's latest work on spices, teas, and herbs recently published at https://organic-center.org/site/benefits-organic-spices-herbs-and-teas
Open to all
WATCH NOW
Presented Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT (90 minutes)
The Organic Center has partnered with The University of Rhode Island (URI) to identify the best opportunities for developing cost-effective and organic-compliant tools to help organic farmers navigate food safety risks and third-party certification. Dr. Patrick Baur from URI will present results from a national needs assessment tha
t included farmer-focused listening sessions and a national survey. Specifically, these results will touch on which producers are most impacted on a national level and which food safety requirements are most difficult to synchronize with NOP standards. This needs assessment will also help prioritizing which research and knowledge gaps can best address these specific conflicts. Join Dr. Amber Sciligo of The Organic Center & Dr. Baur as they discuss the research findings and next steps for this pivotal work. This webinar will include a Q&A session following the presentation.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Patrick Baur, PhD, Assistant Professor | University of Rhode Island
Open to all
WATCH NOW
Presented Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Researchers from Maryland, Minnesota, and California present their findings on the impacts of cover-crop grazing on food safety and soil health for fresh
spinach and cucumbers in organic systems. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of how grazing of cover crops in fresh vegetable production systems can be implemented in 3 different climates (humid coastal, humid continental, and semi-arid). This work has been completed through funds from a USDA -ARS grant* in collaboration with The Organic Center, University of California, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and USDA-ARS.*Funding for this project was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant # 19-1046-001-SF. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
- Esteemed Speakers
- Sejin Cheong, PhD student Epidemiology | UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Emily E. Evans, Researcher 3 | University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
- Amélie Gaudin, PhD, Associate Professor of Agroecology | UC Davis, Department of Plant Sciences
- Alda Pires, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, Associate Specialist in Cooperative Extension | UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Sequoia Williams, PhD student Soils and Biogeochemistry | UC Davis, Gaudin Lab
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (moderator)
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Learn more about this project at https://www.organic-center.org/site/IntegratedLivestock
Presented December 8, 2021 by The Organic Center
Black farmers have a rich history and promising future in the United States, even though the Black history of agriculture is often reduced to slavery and cotton plantations. In Farming While Black (2018), Leah Penniman argues that justice for Black people, farmers and otherwise, requires learning about Black histories of agriculture, creating new experiences in the natural world, and getting in touch with our food systems. With a panel of Black scholars, farmers, and activists, in this webinar we explore what justice for Black farmers is today, what it has been in the past, and what it can be in the future.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Maya Allen, PhD student in Botany | The University of New Mexico
- Laquanda Dobson, Chef and Farming Activist
- Ashley Gripper, PhD Candidate in Environmental Epidemiology | Harvard University
- Teona Williams, PhD Candidate in History | Yale University
- Jayson Porter, PhD candidate in History | Northwestern University & Social Justice Intern | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
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How Farming Systems Impact Bionutrients
Presented November 17, 2021
How plants are grown can have an immense effect on nutritional content. A healthy, high-functioning soil will produce crops that are flavorful, aromatic, and nutritious. Studies have reflected this by showing that organic production can result in higher antioxidant levels. However, nutrition is still not well understood, and the actual nutrient levels in of crops can vary dramatically with farmer, season, and seed. This webinar will discuss what we know – and don’t know – when it comes to crop nutrition and highlight new technology and campaigns to better understand how to maximize the nutrition of our food. Watch our recording on demand now by registering below. - Esteemed Panelists:
- Dan Kittredge, Executive Director | Bionutrient Food Association
- Sara Newmark, Chief Operating Officer | True Grace Health
- Tina Owens, Senior Director, Food & Agriculture Impact | Danone North America
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Andrew Smith, PhD, Chief Operating Officer | Rodale Institute
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The Organic Center has recorded more than 15 educational products in the last few years, available online to anyone interested in learning more. Find our full library of webinars and virtual events online at their website at the link below.
Blue and Green
This webinar was presented on Thursday, November 21, 2024
USDA organic regulations generally require the use of organic ingredients, with a few limited exceptions. These exceptions are allowed only when an organic version of an ingredient is not “commercially available” and the ingredient is include on the National list. The National Organic Standards Board has been evaluating how to determine commercial availability and challenges presented in determining if an ingredient is available as organic. If you’ve ever wondered how commercial availability is determined, or when the organic supply is sufficient to remove an exception, this session is for you! Join experts from certifying bodies, organic brands and formulators, ingredient suppliers, and a member of the National Organic Standards Board for an in-depth discussion of the challenges and opportunities related to sourcing and supply of organic ingredients.
- Speakers:
- Adam Seitz, QAI
- Mike Crotser Organic Valley
- Kim Huseman, NOSB Handler/Processor Representative
- Leo Schoenauer, Marroquin/Agrana
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*Open to OTA Members only
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meets biannually to discuss a range of topics impacting the organic industry, as well as to review substances for use in organic production. The Board will convene October 22-24, 2024 in Portland, OR, where it will engage in discussions on a variety of topics and complete its review of this year’s round of National List substances scheduled to sunset. Topic areas of particular interest at this upcoming meeting include the Board’s work on consistency in organic seed use, residue testing for a global supply chain, continuing work on compost definitions and its use in organic production, the effort to replace EPA List 3 and 4 Inerts with a suitable alternative reference, and a petition to add meloxicam to the National List as a livestock medical treatment. Join this webinar for a review of this upcoming NOSB meeting agenda!
- Speakers:
- Kyla Smith, NOSB Board Chair and certifier rep.
- Amy Bruch, NOSB Vice Chair and organic producer rep.
- Nate Lewis, NOSB Secretary and Environmental Protection and Resource Conservationist
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*Open to OTA Members only
This webinar was presented on Tuesday June 18, 2024
With the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule now fully in play, we are already seeing gains in organic integrity across the trade. The SOE rule requires certification of all but a narrow set of exemptions, requires that all organic imports carry an electronic import certificate, and requires active verification of supply chain traceability. These new measures are driving a new era of data and transparency.
Join OTA and USDA National Organic Program staff for a peek into NOP enforcement activities and how SOE is providing the tools for greater oversight of the organic supply chain. Ever wonder what happens when a complaint is filed with NOP? Learn how to compose an effective and actionable complaint, what to expect when a complaint is lodged, and SOE’s role in strengthening this process.
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*This webinar is open to OTA Members only
Presented Thursday, March 21, 2024
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meets biannually to discuss a range of topics impacting the organic industry, as well as to review substances for use in organic production. The Board will convene April 29, 30, and May 1 in Milwaukee, WI, where it will engage in discussions on a variety of topics and begin its review of this year’s round of National List substances scheduled to sunset. Topic areas of particular interest at this upcoming meeting include the Board’s work on compost definitions and its use in organic production, the effort to replace EPA List 3 and 4 Inerts with a suitable alternative reference, and the sunset review of synthetic methionine as a feed additive in organic poultry production. Join this webinar for a review of this upcoming NOSB meeting agenda!
Speakers:
- Kyla Smith, NOSB Board Chair and certifier rep.
- Amy Bruch, NOSB Vice Chair and organic producer rep.
- Nate Lewis, NOSB Secretary and Environmental Protection and Resource Conservationist
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented on December 12, 2023
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule is the single largest update to the USDA organic regulations since their introduction more than 20 years ago. With SOE set to go into effect March 19, 2024, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), accredited certifiers, and the organic industry are working hard to implement the changes required by the rule.
One highlight of this work includes NOP adding an import certificate module to the Organic Integrity Database to meet the requirement that all organic product entering the U.S. have an import certificate. Certifiers are also updating organic system plans to include new SOE requirements and distributing these to certified operations. The organic industry is working hard to implement fraud prevention plans and communicate SOE requirements up and down the supply chain.
Join USDA NOP Deputy Administrator Dr. Jennifer Tucker for an update on NOP activities, insights on where she sees the organic community is on track to meet SOE requirements, and what the landscape will look like on March 19 when the rule goes into effect. This session is designed to be interactive, and Dr. Tucker will be available for questions.
Dr. Jennifer Tucker currently serves as the Deputy Administrator for the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program. Before that, she was the program's Associate Deputy Administrator for almost 7 years. Prior to the government, she was an organization development consultant and project manager serving a range of technology and scientific agencies and non-profits.
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented on November 30, 2023
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meets biannually to discuss a range of topics impacting the organic industry, as well as to review substances for use in organic production. The Board recently convened October 24-26 for its fall meeting in Providence, RI, where it engaged in robust discussions on a variety of topics and completed its review of this year’s round of National List substances scheduled to sunset. Highlights from the meeting include: oversight improvements to deter fraud, improving support for organic transition, the use of plastic in organic production, and the Board’s annual review of organic research priorities.
Join outgoing Board Chair Nate Powell-Palm, organic producer representative Logan Petrey, and incoming Chair and certifier representative Kyla Smith for a review of the recent meeting’s highlights. You'll also hear the Board’s thoughts on plastics in organic production, and a look ahead to the NOSB's work priorities for 2024, including addressing the use of compost and alignment with compostable packaging regulations.
This presentation is the latest edition of OTA’s Water Cooler Series, a monthly opportunity for an open dialogue between speakers and participants. Bring your questions for a lively and engaging discussion!
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented October 31, 2023
A recent lawsuit threatens the use of important producer group certification, an important resource for organic producers around the globe, alleging the system allows for loopholes in the certification process and creates and entry point for fraud. If successful, the loss of producer groups in the organic certification system would impact the availability of key organic products and ingredients such as chocolate, spices, sugar, coffee, tea, and tropical fruits. USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule codifies the long-standing practice of grower group certification (updated to producer groups to be scope neutral), a widely accepted, viable and effective system for monitoring small organic producers. The producer group system has enabled very small producers, especially in the developing world, to enter the organic marketplace and provides an important income for them and their communities.
SOE addresses the certification of producer groups and, for the first time, adds specific requirements for group certification to the NOP regulations. The new rule provides specific group eligibility criteria and requires a strong Internal Control System to oversee and ensure compliance of group members with organic regulations. It establishes tougher standards for surveillance, training, inspection, auditing and sanction of group members and the producer group operation.
OTA's CEO, Tom Chapman, and OTA's Regulatory Director, Scott Rice, faciliate an engaging and informative discussion on producer group certification. You will learn how SOE codifies and strengthens the oversight of this production system, and how the recent lawsuit could impact organic trade.
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented on September 28, 2023
Join OTA's Trusted Advisors for a discussion on fraud prevention and how to approach Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) implementation in your supply chain.
The SOE final rule supports the continued growth of the organic market and improves oversight at critical links in the supply chain. The new regulation represents the biggest change to organic regulations since the creation of USDA’s National Organic Program. The rule closes gaps in current organic regulations and builds consistent certification practices to prevent fraud and improve the transparency and traceability of organic products. One new requirement of the final SOE rule is for all certified operations to implement their own organic fraud prevention plan by March 2024 – are you ready?
OTA’s Trusted Advisors are experts in organic compliance and are qualified to assist businesses with developing Organic Fraud Prevention Plans, and more! View this recording to learn more about what SOE implementation means for your business.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Joelle Mosso | Organic Trade Association
- John Foster | Wolf & Associates
- Gwendolyn Wyard | Strengthening Organic Systems (SOS)
- Miles McEvoy | Lacewing Auditing and Consulting
This webinar is exclusive for OTA members & registrants will receive an approval email.
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Presented September 19, 2023
USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule introduces significant updates to the federal organic regulations aimed at protecting organic integrity and building consumer trust. Notable changes include a requirement for import certificates on all organic product coming into the country, a narrowing of certification exemptions, and greater scrutiny on recordkeeping and product traceability. The March 19, 2024, implementation date is just over the horizon and the clock is ticking for organic businesses to obtain certification and/or incorporate required changes, and for accredited certifiers to update systems and communicate requirements. How is your organic business adjusting to these updates and what are your challenges to date? How are accredited certifiers preparing for and interpreting these changes ahead of implementation? Join OTA and guest speakers from the organic trade & accredited certifiers for an engaging discussion on SOE preparation.
Speakers:
- Scott Rice, Organic Trade Association's Regulatory Director
- Marni Karlin, Karlin Strategic Consulting
- Kristen Adams, Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA)
- Johanna Phillips, Ecocert USA
- Lindsey Campbell, Oregon Tilth
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*Open to OTA Members only
Presented Thursday, June 8 at 4 pm Eastern / 1 pm Pacific
What can you do with the Organic Integrity Database (INTEGRITY)? So much more than you may know! Join the Organic Trade Association for a webinar exploring INTEGRITY. USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator Jennifer Tucker will explain the ins and outs of INTEGRITY as a tool for organic market integrity and development. Topics covered will include:
- What is the Organic Integrity Database and how do I use it
- Using the INTEGRITY to mitigate and prevent fraud
- How to find key data points, including acreage and sourcing information through the OID
- Best practices on how to source suppliers and to document compliance through the Organic Integrity Database
- How the INTEGRITY is being used in the implementation of the new strengthening of enforcement rulemaking
We’ll also learn more about how to use this tool for supplier discovery, organic verification, its role in the implementation of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking, and much more. Learn more about SOE and how we're helping members prepare.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Jennifer Tucker, PhD, Deputy Administrator | USDA AMS National Organic Program (NOP)
- Joelle Mosso, Senior Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs | Organic Trade Association (Moderator)
Exclusive to OTA members - use the link below to sign up and access the webinar
Access the webinar online
Presented on Friday, February 3
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule is finally here! This new regulation from the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) represents the biggest change to organic regulations since the creation of the NOP. It closes gaps in current organic regulations and builds consistent certification practices to prevent fraud and improve the transparency and traceability of organic products.
The Organic Trade Association is here to help our members prepare for implementation by providing the support and resources needed to ensure successful compliance with this significant new rule. Join OTA’s expert regulatory team for our first-look briefing on the rule – exclusive to OTA members. OTA’s Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, and Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will provide you with a high-level analysis of the SOE regulation and what the new regulations mean for you.
Exclusive to OTA members
Download OTA's findings and view the on-demand recording
This briefing was recorded and made available exclusively for OTA members. When you sign up at the link above, you will receive an instant email providing access to a secure members-only page on Strengthening Organic Enforcement, including a link to download our complete report. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find our recorded briefing. If you do not receive the email providing access and believe you reached it in error, please contact Violet Batcha. If you are not certain about your organization's membership status, please contact Danielle Cote.
Red
Thursday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern / 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Last summer, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) hosted a listening session and conducted a member survey to identify the challenges our members were experiencing due to trade disruptions following the revocation of India’s organic recognition agreement. In response, your trade association sent a letter to the USDA, outlining our strong support for organic integrity, detailing the issues you highlighted, and identifying key next steps for the administration to best support the industry. In response to our letter, USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator Jenny Tucker has agreed to meet with our members exclusively for a briefing. Join OTA’s CEO Tom Chapman and hear an update on the enforcement activities and accreditations in process in India, NOP’s goals for future visits to India, and where and how the industry can stay apprised of new actions the USDA takes to protect organic integrity.
This session should be of interest to any member who has supply chains coming from India, members looking to understand additional compliance requirements for Indian exporters, and anyone interested in learning how the USDA is working to protect organic integrity in the international marketplace. As you register to attend this OTA member-exclusive briefing, please provide us with your critical questions for USDA. We will share your questions anonymously with the NOP for a moderated Q&A with the Deputy Administrator at the conclusion of the briefing.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Jennifer Tucker, PhD, Deputy Administrator | USDA Agriculture Marketing Service's National Organic Program (NOP)
- Tom Chapman, CEO | Organic Trade Association (Host & Q&A Facilitator)
Exclusive for OTA members only
On-Demand
This briefing was recorded.
If you're a member of the Organic Trade Association and have any questions about how to view our webinars please email Adrienne Messe. If you are not a member, please email Danielle Cote for more information about membership and how to pay to watch those webinars available to non-members.