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OTA Hosted Event

Organic Trade Association Hemp Listening Session

Thursday, August 5, 2021 - 2:00pm

Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President, Regulatory & Technical Affairs, OTA for an Organic Hemp Listening Session, taking place August 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. EST. 



We want to hear from the organic hemp sector about the challenges, barriers and opportunities that are unique to certified organic production, handling and the organic certification process. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Organic Trade Association and share their views on how we can best support the growth of organic hemp production and hemp products. 

 

This Listening Session will take place online using Zoom. 

 

REGISTER NOW

 

 

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Organic Week in Washington D.C.

Monday, March 28, 2022 - 9:00am to Wednesday, March 30, 2022 - 5:00pm

Organic Week is a place of discovery, collaboration and advocacy for farmers to retailers and everyone in between looking to help shape decisions that impact organic. 

Organic Week DC, previously scheduled for January 31 – February 2 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC will now take place March 28-30 at the same location. Learn more about our COVID Health and Safety Plan.

This is a critical time for the organic sector. The Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week in Washington, D.C. is all about moving organic forward. Join us for 72-hours in the nation’s capital to work on solutions for the complex issues surrounding organic food and farming. We will focus on continuous improvement in organic, celebrate organic leaders, and work together to advance organic policy priorities. 

The InterContinental at the Wharf in Washington, D.C. is the Organic Week headquarters hotel where all activities will be based. Our Residency Packages deliver luxurious accommodations and tremendous convenience (that’s right, no Uber’s needed). All workshops, meetings, conference sessions, and receptions will be held on-site, making it easy to return to your room for breaks (or work). We’ve negotiated deeply discounted room rates that you won’t be able to reserve independently. Choose from our two member-exclusive residency packages for the best Organic Week experience!

Member Day

This day will be packed with sector council and task force in-person working sessions, meetings with federal agencies and departments, interactive sessions to plan for the next farm bill, and more. The day will be capped off with an event supporting Organic PAC, the only political action committee devoted to advancing organic’s voice with policymakers in our nation’s capital.

Conference Day

Thought-provoking keynotes will focus on the issues making news in organic from members of Congress, agency chiefs and other policy and industry influencers. A productive day will be followed by an evening to remember. We’ll wow you with a networking reception and Organic Dinner Celebration in honor of this inspiring week!

Advocacy Day

Members will work in small teams to attend hundreds of pre-scheduled meetings across Capitol Hill and then toast a full day of advocating for organic during our Congressional Reception.

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Gain exposure and stand out as an organic industry leader. Sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000 - $25,000.

Sign up to sponsor Organic Week today! You will feel good about your investment, and your sponsorship comes with a slew of benefits. Contact Douglas Korb to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

 

Questions before you register? We are here to help. Contact us

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WEBINAR: Science-Based Composting Practices

Friday, July 23, 2021 - 12:00pm

Join The Organic Center on Friday, July 23, 2021 - 12:00 pm Eastern / 9:00 am Pacific for a Webinar on Science-Based Composting Practices. 

Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.  

The second presentation in the series will highlight science-based composting practices that growers can use to minimize microbial food safety risks while reaping the soil health and production benefits from the use of BSAAO. A discussion will follow about the treatment status and documentation requirements for other common BSAAO such as vermicompost, fish emulsion, and pelletized poultry litter.

  • Esteemed Panelists:
  • Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
  • Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
  • Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)

Open to all. This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation.

REGISTER NOW

 

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WEBINAR: Managing Soil Amendments for Food Safety and Soil Health

Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 2:00pm

Join The Organic Center on Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific, for a Webinar on Managing Soil Amendments for Food Safety and Soil Health

Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.  

As the first presentation in a two-part series, this session will introduce how the use of BSAAO improves soil health. Research on pathogen survival in BSAAO-amended soils will be presented, as well as how growers can minimize the risks of using untreated soil amendments through proper application, storage, handling, and recordkeeping practices. Other common practices will be introduced, including rotational grazing.

  • Esteemed Panelists:
  • Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
  • Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
  • Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)

Open to all. This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation.

REGISTER NOW

 

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SFTA Council Dialogue for UN Food Systems Summit

Monday, May 10, 2021 - 2:00pm

The Organic Trade Association’s Sustainable Food Trade Action (SFTA) Council is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and will be helping to bring diverse views to the United Nations 2021 Food Systems Summit by organizing the Independent Dialogue outlined below. This event, taking place virtually May 10th 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. EST, will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to look at the ways organic can be part of the solution. Paul Schiefer, Sr. Director of Sustainability at Amy's Kitchen & Chair of OTA's Sustainable Food Trade Action Council, will lead the conversation. Six small breakout discussions will take place to ensure a deep dive into separate issues. Facilitators of these breakout groups will be members of the SFTA Council:



Organic as a solution to meet increasing demands from consumers and global markets, to address environmental pressures, and to achieve the UN sustainable development goals.

1. Feeding the world -- Olga Borquez, Wholesum Family Farms

2. Human health and wellbeing – Kevin Lee, Dr. Bronner’s

3. Climate action – Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield Farm

4. Socially responsible economic growth -- Tracy Favre, Fig Hill Farm Consulting

5. International trade – Emily Musgrave, Driscoll’s

6. Innovation – Matt Landi, Awe Sum Organics



Join us and be a part of the solution. We are allocating seats for 60 diverse stakeholders that will include organic farmers, scientists, food manufacturers, organic fiber, nutritionists, international players, and more. Register now, we might not be able to accommodate everyone who expresses interest, we will start a waitlist once we reach 60 attendees.



By registering for this event you are committing to being available to attend and be an active contributor in this conversation on May 10th from 2:00-4:30 p.m. EST. If you’re interested in participating in this important dialogue but unavailable to attend on May 10th, please contact Adrienne Messe to stay informed of the outcomes.

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Virtual Annual Membership Meeting

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - 2:00pm

The Organic Trade Association Board of Directors invites you to our Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 16, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific / 2:30 p.m. Eastern. We will bring members together for advocacy, inspiration and networking.

Save your seat for this interactive and engaging virtual event where you will:

  • Explore key program priorities like continuous improvement, diversity, and climate change, and engage with us in advancing the work
  • Meet the incoming Board of Directors, celebrate our Member of the Year, and hear from special guest keynotes
  • Interact with our Board and staff, and network with your industry colleagues in topical breakout rooms
  • Leave with an exclusive digital edition of the 2021 Organic Industry Survey—full of the latest market trends, and forecasts.

REGISTER NOW

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WEBINAR: Board of Directors Election Preview: Meet the Candidates

Monday, April 5, 2021 - 2:30pm

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 candidates vying for the five open seats. During registration, be sure to submit your questions for our Q&A session with the candidates!

  • Board of Director Co-Hosts:
  • Kellee James, Founder & CEO, Mercaris Corporation
  • Bob Kaake, Principal, Slice of Kaake Consulting
  • Candidates:
  • Matthew Dillon, VP Government Affairs & Social Impact, Clif Bar & Company
  • Tracy Favre, Owner, Fig Hill Farm Consulting
  • David Lively, Pioneer Emeritus, Organically Grown Company
  • Jeremiah McElwee, Chief Merchandising Officer, Thrive Market
  • Paul Schiefer, Senior Director of Sustainability, Amy’s Kitchen
  • Jeremy Vanderzyl, Director of Technical Services, Duncan Family Farms
  • Javier Zamora, Grower/Owner, JSM Organics

Exclusive to OTA members only

REGISTER NOW

This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand following the presentation to all registrants. 

Registration to watch the webinar live closes at 1 pm Eastern / 10 am Pacific. If you register after this time, we will provide registration information to watch the presentation on demand after the Webinar is completed. 

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WEBINAR: The Benefits of Technical Assistance for the Organic Industry

Friday, March 19, 2021 - 1:00pm

One of the main barriers for farmers transitioning to and staying in organic production is a lack of organic-specific farmer-focused technical assistance, putting technical assistance at the nexus of the organic industry’s biggest opportunities. Investments in technical assistance are important for all organic stakeholders who want to grow domestic organic acreage and maximize the benefits of organic for people and the planet. At this webinar, hear from Mallory Krieger of Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) and Ben Bowell of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Oregon Tilth (OTCO), who are at the forefront of the mission to expand access to technical assistance for organic and transitioning farmers across production systems, scales, and geographic regions.

  • Esteemed Panelists:
  • Mallory Krieger, National Program Director | Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) 
  • Benjamin Bowell, Organic Education Specialist | Oregon Tilth, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service & OATS Steering Committee
  • Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director | Organic Trade Association & OATS Steering Committee (Discussion Leader)

Open to all

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This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation. Register to learn when it will be available. 

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WEBINAR: Maximizing Carbon Sequestration in Organic Systems

Friday, April 16, 2021 - 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Organic has the advantage when it comes to mitigating climate change and building soil health by quantifying the carbon sequestration potential of organic soil management practices. Join The Organic Center on April 15 to learn more from the Robert Crystal-Ornelas, PhD, co-author of a recently-published paper that looks within organic management and builds on The Organic Center’s continued delivery on GRO Organic’s climate change and soil health portfolio. The project not only highlights the areas where organic excels at locking greenhouse gas in the soil, but also identifies the areas that are having the biggest beneficial impact, allowing organic growers to maximize their climate change fighting power.

  • Esteemed Panelists: 
  • Robert Crystal-Ornelas, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Energy Geosciences Division | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Amber Sciligo, PhD, Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Facilitator)

Open to all

REGISTER NOW

This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation. Register to learn when it will be available. 

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VIRTUAL Briefing for Accredited Certifiers on Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

The Organic Trade Association will host a special briefing for USDA-accredited certifying agents about Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions on Wednesday, April 7th 2021, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST. Attendance at this briefing is limited to Accredited Certifying Agents and IOIA Members only. If you are not an ACA or IOIA Member, please contact Adrienne Messe to attend one of our regular monthly info sessions to learn more about Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions. 

Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions is a program that organic businesses may voluntarily enroll in to help minimize or eliminate organic fraud. The program is based on buyer responsibility and supply chain management, and provides companies with a risk-based process for developing and implementing an organic fraud prevention plan. The program complements and reinforces organic certification and enforcement efforts of USDA’s National Organic Program and accredited certifiers through promotion of industry-wide, best practices for improving the resilience and overall integrity of global organic supply chains. Check out the Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions Participant Handbook that provides an overview of this fraud prevention program and the steps required to successfully complete the enrollment process. Please note 7 and 8!

The final steps of the Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions enrollment process is for the participating company to update its Organic System Plan with their completed Organic Fraud Prevention Plan. This info session will provide an in-depth opportunity to learn more about the role of the accredited certifier in this process, what to expect and how to prepare. Our first participants started the enrollment process in late 2020, and some have begun to submit their Organic Fraud Prevention Plans in 2021. This session will be your best opportunity to learn more, ask questions and help make this important program a huge success. For more background information, please reference the presentation we provided at the January 2019 ACA Training.

Register here!

 

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