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. If your organization is not a member or you are unsure about your organization's membership status, please email Danielle Cote.
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Organic & Climate – Breakthrough Progress in the EU
Organic & Climate – Breakthrough Progress in the EU
Thursday, July 30, 2020, 8:00 a.m. Pacific / 11:00 a.m. Eastern / 5:00 p.m. CET (75 minutes)
As part of its effort to become climate neutral by 2050, the EU's Green Deal calls for 25% of Europe's agriculture to be transitioned to organic (nearly triple the current area) by 2030. Join us to learn more about this bold effort to create a fair, healthy and environmentally beneficial food system. We'll discuss how leaders in the organic movement were able to successfully advocate for organic's inclusion in this sweeping program. And we’ll hear from organic industry participants in the farming and processing/trade sector about priorities for specific action plans to implement and achieve the sustainability targets set out in the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies.
- Esteemed Participants:
- Karst Kooistra, Tradin Organic
- Ariane Lotti, Tenuta San Carlo Organic Farm
- Silvia Schmidt, IFOAM EU
- Johanna Mirenda, Organic Trade Association (Discussion Leader)
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
This webinar will be recorded. Register to be updated when the recording is available.
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Green Lemon
U.S. Climate Policy & Organic Agriculture
U.S. Climate Policy & Organic Agriculture
Thursday, August 27, 2020 - 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific (75 minutes)
The second in Organic Trade Association’s summer Webinar series on climate change will begin with a scientific grounding in the connections between organic practices and associated increases in soil carbon, and reductions in nitrogen pollution. From there, members of the trade association’s Board of Directors will share news about the Board’s recent work on policy recommendations to support organic as a key to mitigating climate change. Panelists will discuss legislation introduced in the U.S. House and Senate that prioritizes agricultural solutions, as well as a new report from the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Megan DeBates, Organic Trade Association (discussion leader)
- Avi Garbow, Patagonia Works
- Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield Organic
- Jessica Shade, Ph.D., The Organic Center
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
This webinar will be recorded. Register to be updated when the recording is available.
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.
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With a full quarter of results to draw from since the COVID-19 crisis began, we will take a look at how the retail landscape has changed. Where is the supply chain holding together, and where is it challenged? Which products and categories hold greater appeal with shoppers at this time? How have buying patterns changed since the initial panic purchasing began, and as a result of social distancing measures in stores?
- Presenters & Moderator:
- Ryan Koory, Director of Economics, Mercaris
- Steve Lutz, Senior Vice President, Category Partners
- Erin Raese, Vice President of Marketing, SPINS
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights, Organic Trade Association (Moderator)
Open to all
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Labor Issues & COVID-19
Presented May 14, 2020
Labor is one of the key inputs for the entire organic supply chain, beginning with the workers in the fields, continuing through the people working in packing, processing, distribution and retail. Given the current operating reality of COVID-19, learn how industry leaders are pivoting to practices that care for and protect their employees while ensuring a safe, available food supply. We'll also hear about labor availability, and receive an update on the processing of H2A visas.
- PRESENTERS:
- John McKeon, Director of Organic Integrity and Compliance, Taylor Farms
- Melissa R. O’Rourke, Attorney; Farm & Agribusiness Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Research, AmericanHort
- Mike Resch, Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel, Amy’s Kitchen
- Matt Rogers, General Manager and Co-Founder, AgSocio
Open to all
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Organic Inspections During COVID-19: Challenges & Solutions
Presented Thursday, May 7
As the outbreak of the COVID-19 creates organic supply chain disruptions, so does the need for continuity of organic inspection operations. In this webinar, you will learn about the unique challenges of the organic sector and how the Organic Trade Association, the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA), and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) are working together to ensure organic compliance and the integrity of the organic supply chain. Participants will learn about the best practices and inspection tools that are being used to conduct inspections and verify compliance while travel restrictions are in place. In addition, certified operators will learn how to best prepare for an on-site or remote audit.
- SPEAKERS:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Organic Trade Association, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs
- Marni Karlin, Karlin Strategic Consulting, Principal
- Garth Kahl, Independent Organic Services, Inc.; IOIA Inspector
- Q&A with EXPERT PANELISTS:
- Connie Karr, Oregon Tilth (OTCO), Certification Director; ACA Board Chair
- Brenda Book, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Organic Program Manager
- Beth Rota, Quality Certification Services, Policy and Quality Assurance Manager; ACA Board Member
- Lois Christie, Christie Organic Consultants; IOIA Board Chair
- Garth Kahl, Independent Organic Services, Inc.; IOIA Inspector
Open to all
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COVID-19 Forum: Financial Relief for Farmers
Presented April 15, 2020
The Organic Trade Association recognizes the unique needs of the farmer, rancher, and producer community as it navigates the current pandemic. Our next COVID-19 Webinar allows you to learn about new and existing programs designed specifically to meet your needs. You will also have the opportunity to speak directly to those who will implement and oversee provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designed to benefit agricultural operations. Joining us will be Katie Naessens, Senior Professional Staff at the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Jennifer Tucker, PhD, Deputy Administrator of USDA’s National Organic Program. Please bring your questions about new and existing programs, and examples of what you’re seeing in the marketplace to share with those tasked with providing rapid, effective relief measures to the producer community.
- Presenters:
- Katie Naessens, Senior Professional Staff, United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Lorren Walker, Chief of Staff, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, United States Department of Agriculture
- Jennifer Tucker, Ph.D., Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, United States Department of Agriculture
- Jeff Schahczenski, Agricultural and Natural Resource Economist, National Center for Appropriate Technology and ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture
Open to all
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COVID-19 Forum: Financial Stimulus Options and Cash Management Strategies
Presented April 7, 2020
As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Small Business Administration established several new programs designed to provide financial relief to small businesses, co-ops, non-profits and farms. Organic Trade Association members are invited to a free webinar and forum to learn more about the programs – including the new Paycheck Protection Program. The program will be held next Tuesday, April 7th at 2:00 Eastern. Who qualifies, how to access the funds, and more will be detailed by Michael Stein, an attorney on the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee who helped draft the Act. We’ll also hear from Jewel Cornelius-Royer from the global accounting firm Marcum LLP about risk and cash management strategies for business.
- Presenters:
- Michael Stein, J.D., Counsel for the Small Business Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
- Jewel Cornelius-Royer, CPA, Director of Managed Services and Consulting, Marcum LLP
Open to all
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Board of Directors Election Webinar: Meet the Candidates
Presented March 31, 2020
Organic Trade Association’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members – representing more than 9,500 organic businesses throughout all portions of the supply chain. Board elections are a unique opportunity for our members to decide – one vote per member organization – the future leaders of the organization. Join us for this interactive Webinar to learn more about the process, and meet the eight candidates vying for the five open seats.
- Hosts:
- Laura Batcha, Executive Director / CEO, Organic Trade Association
- Ben Diesl, VP of Quality Assurance, Grimmway Farms / Cal-Organic
Available to OTA members only
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Getting the Most Out of Your OTA Membership
Presented June 12, 2019
If you've joined Organic Trade Association in the past year, or if it's been a while since you've engaged, you've come to the right place! During this fast paced webinar, we introduced you to the people and programs behind your trade association, so you can maximize your investment, and position your business for success.
- Presenters:
- Cassandra Christine, Director of Industry Relations, Membership, and Development, Organic Trade Association
- Bob Kaake, Organic & Natural Technical Director, General Mills
- Mark Squire, President, Good Earth Natural Foods
Available on demand to OTA members only
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Breakthrough Messaging for Organic Shoppers
Presented February 13, 2020
Through the GRO Organic industry funded initiative, OTA has recently completed a groundbreaking consumer messaging research project. The research, conducted through NMI, yielded a new level of understanding about today’s shoppers and the messaging they need to create or strengthen their commitment to organic. Those findings have been converted into a Consumer Messaging Toolkit available to the full membership community. Join us to hear the topline demographic findings, and learn about the most compelling ways to reach current and potential organic shoppers with your brand’s messaging. OTA members can register for the recording and slides by emailing Libby Mucciarone.
- Presenter:
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights, Organic Trade Association
Available on demand to OTA members only
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Top Ten Organic Headlines of 2019
Presented December 4, 2019
As 2019 came to an end, we reviewed the stories that made news in organic in 2019, the most compelling issues in the industry, and discussed tips and resources for representing organic and your brand accurately in the media. OTA members can access a copy of the recording by contacting Libby Mucciarone.
- Presenters:
- Bill Giebler, Content + Insights Director, New Hope Network
- Maggie McNeil, Director of Media Relations, Organic Trade Association
- Kelly Taveras, Digital Specialist, Organic Trade Association
Available on demand to OTA members only
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Meet Your Board of Directors at the Virtual Annual Meeting
Presented October 17, 2019
CEO / Executive Director Laura Batcha joined members of the Organic Trade Association's Board of Directors for a virtual follow up to our Annual Meeting. Attendees heard about the strategic priorities the Board of Directors set for the organization and met its newest members.
- Presenters:
- Laura Batcha, CEO / Executive Director, Organic Trade Association
- Members of the Board of Directors
Available on demand to OTA members only
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Green Lemon
GOTS Version 6.0 and the U.S. Market
Wednesday, April 22 - 11:30 a.m. Eastern / 8:30 a.m. Pacific (90 minutes)
Join the Organic Trade Association for a discussion on the recent release of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 6.0. In this 90-minute webinar, we’ll discuss an overview of organic labeling of fiber and textiles in the U.S., review the current market of GOTS in the United States, and provide an overview of GOTS including an update on the changes to the new version. Our panel of experts will help your organization prepare for the implementation of changes and answer your questions.
- Presenters:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director, Global Organic Textile Standard
- Lori Wyman, North American Representative, Global Organic Textile Standard
Open to all
On-demand option coming soon!
New Rules: Requirements for Use of Organic Flavors
Presented on January 29, 2020
New requirements for use of organic flavors in certified organic processed foods became effective on December 27, 2019. In this session, attendees will get a first look at new industry guidance from Organic Trade Association. Learn how the regulatory change came about, how commercially availability is defined, and gain an understanding of the process and documentation necessary to comply with the new requirements.
- Presenters:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Kim Dietz, Business Development DIrector, Organics, Extracts, and Sustainability, Firmenich, Inc.
- Alexis Randolph, Senior Technical Manager, Quality Assurance International (QAI)
- Jeff Rakity, Senior VP Organic Sales, Brookside Flavors
Complimentary to OTA members on demand
Not-yet member registrations on demand: $149
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Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions
Presented April 11, 2019 & September 19, 2019
Following an extensive pilot project to detect and prevent fraud in the global organic supply chain, Organic Trade Association launched a comprehensive program and toolkit for the organic community. Attendees learned about the best practices in fraud prevention to keep your supply chain strong from seed to shelf. Learn more about the program. Click below to register to view this recording.
- Presenters:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Dr. John Spink, Director and Associate Professor of the Food Fraud Initiative at Michigan State University.
Complimentary to OTA members on demand
Not-yet member registrations on demand: $149
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Organic 101 for the Produce Community
Presented March 18, 2020
New to the organic industry? Join us to learn the basics of what the organic label does (and doesn't) mean for the produce sector, how it is enforced, and why it is the gold standard for food around the world. This session will examine the full supply chain – from farming, to post-harvest handling and transportation to retail receiving and merchandising for produce. We will discuss organic regulations, as well as best practices that have been proven most successful with retailers and shoppers.
- Presenters:
- Brian Dey, Sr. Merchandiser & Natural Stores Coordinator, Four Seasons Produce
- Mike Dill, Food Safety & Compliance Manager, Organically Grown Company
- Logan Petrey, Grower, Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registration: $149
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Organic 101
Presented June 26, 2019
New to the organic industry? Learn the basics of what the organic label does (and doesn’t) mean, how it is enforced, and why it is the gold standard for food the world around.
- Presenters:
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
- Mike Dill, Food Safety & Compliance Manager, Organically Grown Company
- Ann Marie Hourigan, Quality Standards Principal Advisor for Agricultural Programs, Whole Foods Market
- Nate Powell-Palm, Farmer/Rancher, Cold Springs Organics
Complimentary to OTA Members
Not-yet member registration: $149
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Legislative Watch: A Recap of 2019 Achievements, and a Look Ahead to 2020
Presented on December 12, 2019
It was a busy year for organic in Washington. It was a busy year for organic in Washington. Our Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Megan DeBates, was joined by Britt Lundgren of Stonyfield Farm and Aaron Schier of National Farmers Union, where they discussed important legislative advancements for organic over the last year, provide Farm Bill implementation updates, and explore other hot button issues important to the world of agriculture policy including climate change, international trade, and agriculture labor reform. Click below to register to view this recording.
- Presenters:
- Megan DeBates, Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Organic Trade Association
- Britt Lundgren, Director of Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, Stonyfield Farm, Inc.
- Aaron Shier, Government Relations Representative, National Farmers Union
Complimentary to OTA members on demand
Not-yet member registrations on demand: $149
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Retail Intel: Best Labeling Practices for Organic Non-Food Products
Presented August 29, 2019
Shoppers trust retailers to offer high quality products with strong organic integrity. Labeling requirements are very different when it comes to non-food organic products such as fiber, personal care and household cleaners. Don’t get lost in the gray area! Gwendolyn Wyard and Angela Jagiello helped break down the labeling landscape and help you to know what to look for to assure you are providing a full complement of trusted of organic products throughout your shop.
- Presenters:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education and Insights, Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
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U.S. Organic Grain – How to Keep It Growing
Presented February 28, 2019
Elizabeth Reaves of the Sustainable Food Lab and Jedediah Beach of FarmSmart will review the highlights of a new research paper published in partnership with the Organic Trade Association. We’ll provide an overview of the current state of organic grain production in the US, and identify the challenges and potential industry solutions needed to help farmers transition to organic and ensure long-term productivity and profitability for organic farmers to keep organic growing.
- Presenters:
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
- Elizabeth Reaves, Senior Program Director, Sustainable Food Laboratory
- Jedediah Beach, Farmer, FarmSmart
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
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The 2018 Farm Bill Passed. Now What?
Presented February 12, 2019
The President recently signed a new farm bill into law. This historic legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support from Congress and included many important advancements for organic agriculture. Please join the Organic Trade Association for a webinar on the 2018 Farm Bill and its impacts for the organic sector. This webinar will include an overview of the organic provisions in the farm bill. We will explore other programs of importance to the organic sector contained in the bill, such as hemp, urban agriculture, and export development. We will also discuss the next steps on farm bill implementation, and identify questions, priorities, opportunities for engagement and answer your questions.
- Presenters:
- Megan DeBates, Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Organic Trade Association
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Katie Naessens, Professional Staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry
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NOSB Outlook for the Produce Community
Presented March 29, 2019
Join Organic Trade Association's regulatory team for a produce-focused briefing on the issues before the National Organic Standards Board at its spring meeting (Seattle April 24-26), and for the fall review cycle.
- Presenters:
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
- Lynn Coody, Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition
- Mike Dill, Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition
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NOSB Wrap-Up
Presented November 13, 2019
If you weren't in the room for the National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) Fall meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, in October, but you would like to learn more about what happened, this webinar is for you. We'll spend time talking about the critical outcomes from the produce, poultry, dairy, non-food, seed, and processing/handling sectors. During the Fall meeting, NOSB voted on 7 proposals related to these sectors, considered 3 discussion documents, and discussed over 50 sunset materials.
- Presenters:
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
- Kyla Smith, Interim Co-Executive Director, Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO)
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Blue and Green
Building Soil Heath for Organic Systems
Presented on April 17, 2020
Healthy soils are essential for resilient crop production and supporting our ecosystem. Unfortunately, soils in the United States are being degraded by unsustainable agricultural practices. Techniques used by organic farmers can help stop soil health degradation, or even restore soil health in previously degraded soils, because they replenish soil organic carbon and preserve underground biodiversity. However, the specific impacts of organic practices on soil health are not well understood. Broad surveys of soil health comparing organic and conventional systems consistently show the benefits of organic farming, but rarely compare strategies within organic systems to understand where these benefits arise, or how they can be maximized. This webinar looked at new research on the benefits of organic farming to soil health and climate change mitigation, and specific organic soil-building practices to illuminate strategies that have the biggest impacts on soil health.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- Kate Tully, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Agroecology, University of Maryland
Available on demand to all
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
The Biodiversity Calculator - A Simple Tool for Tracking & Managing Biodiversity for NOP Compliance
Presented September 25, 2019
Biodiversity is critical for healthy, functioning organic farms, and is central to the NOP Guidance on Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation. However, the burden of designing and implementing biodiversity plans still falls on the farmer. This workshop will highlight a new, farmer-friendly tool that can aid farmers in technical decisions to increase on-farm biodiversity and comply with the new guidance.
- Presenters:
- Jessica Shade, PhD., Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- John Quinn, PhD., Associate Professor of Biology, Furman University
Available on demand for all
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The Benefits of Organic Dairy
Presented July 17, 2019
Learn about a new study published in Public Health Nutrition, by Emory University, in collaboration with The Organic Center, which shows that choosing organic is an easy way to avoid pesticide, antibiotic, and synthetic growth hormone residues in milk. Researchers tested conventional and organic milk from store shelves across 9 regions of the U.S. and found that a majority of conventional milk samples tested positive for residues of antibiotics and currently used controversial pesticides, while organic milk tested clean.
- Presenter:
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
Available on demand to all
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Citrus Greening Disease - the Quest for an Organic Management Solution
Presented May 9, 2019
Citrus Greening is a devastating disease affecting citrus around the world – though Florida citrus has been particularly hard hit. Infected trees are unable to extract the nutrients they need from soil, resulting in severely compromised yields and fruit that is unsuitable for sale. Until now, most of the protocols used to fight the spread of the disease have not been compliant with organic regulations. The Organic Center has collaborated with University of Florida researchers to publish a study that outlines a rigorous, multi-faceted approach to protecting citrus trees in organic systems. The paper is based on a review of existing literature, previously unpublished research and grower observations. Our panel of experts discussed the effect Citrus Greening Disease has had on the Florida citrus industry (especially in organic), and provide a high-level overview of the paper’s findings.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Science Program Manager, The Organic Center
- Ellen Cochrane, PhD, University of Florida
Available on demand to all
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Organic's Impact on Human Health
Presented March 20, 2019
The more we learn about the adverse effects of toxic and persistent agricultural inputs on eaters, farmworkers and their families, the clearer the connection becomes between organic food and agriculture and lower cancer risks. Dr. Jessica Shade, The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, will discuss several groundbreaking studies with their respected authors.
- Presenters:
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- Asa Bradman, PhD, Associate Director of Exposure Assessment, University of California - Berkeley
- Kendra Klein, PhD, Senior Staff Scientist, Friends of the Earth
Available on demand to all
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Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms - Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Practices
Presented July 1, 2020
A growing body of science shows that organic farming supports more biodiversity and can bring in more income than conventional farming, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of using organic practices. What is less understood is how these benefits are affected by the farming landscape around organic operations. Join Amber Sciligo, Associate Director of Science Programs at The Organic Center, who will be joined by two of the senior authors of a recently published meta-analysis, where you can learn about more about the study’s findings and these benefits from organic practices.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- David W. Crowder, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Entomology, Washington State University
- Olivia M. Smith, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher in Entomology, University of Georgia
Open to all
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Gray
Best Practices in Social Marketing
Presented July 24, 2019
Social marketing strategy is an important part of any company's overall marketing mix. Organic Trade Association and Edelman have new findings to share about the best ways to design and implement meaningful social media campaigns for organic products. We'll also spend some time discussing the intricacies of designing social media campaigns for international audiences. You won't want to miss a moment of this helpful presentation.
- Presenters:
- Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager, Organic Trade Association
- Kelly Taveras, Digital Specialist, Organic Trade Association
- Matt Streit, Senior Vice President, Edelman
Open to all
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Exploring Trends and Opportunities for Organic Products Around the World
Presented June 25, 2020
Continued shifts in consumer health preferences and sustainability-minded consumers are further driving organic product sales around the world. This webinar will provide an overview of newly updated global organic data, highlighting observations and trends to compare important markets and opportunities for US producers and exporters. If you are currently exporting your products around the world or looking to learn more about export opportunities, this webinar will provide meaningful insights and detail further resources to help grow your international market.
- Presenters:
- Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager, Organic Trade Association (Moderator)
- Patti LaGuire, Senior Account Manager, Euromonitor International
Open to all
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If you're a member of the Organic Trade Association and interested in view the slides from any of our completed webinars, please email Libby Mucciarone. If you are not a member, please email Danielle Cote for more information about membership.