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Global Organic Produce Exposition (GOPEX)

Friday, February 1, 2019 - 8:00am to 5:00pm

The Packer’s Global Organic Produce Exposition & Conference (GOPEX) provides a forum to meet the rapidly changing needs of professionals who grow, distribute, pack and market organic produce. This international trade show and conference provides the ideal opportunity for organic produce professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas, source new products and services, and do business with the industry's leading growers, distributors, packers, marketers and retailers.

The Organic Trade Association is organizing a keynote and two panel discussions at the Conference on February 1, 2019. More details on each session below, and for more information contact Angela Jagiello

Keynote Speaker - Shannon Allen 

8:45am - 9:45am

Shannon Allen is the creator of grown™ and a hardworking mom-on-the-go. She lives in Miami with her husband, Ray Allen, two-time NBA champion, and their five children. grown’s restaurant concept evolved after searching unsuccessfully for an organic, nutrient dense meal on-the-go for her children.

The Organic Center Presents: For Growers: Breeding for flavor

11:00am - 11:50am

Hear from cutting-edge researchers about what’s possible when seed breeders expand their focus beyond yield and transportability as primary desirable traits and begin selecting for other qualities, such as flavor, nutrition and resilience to weather and pest pressures. Discussion Leader: Amber Sciligo, Science Program Manager, The Organic Center

The Organic Center Presents: Combatting Citrus Greening Disease in Organic Systems

1:30pm - 2:20pm

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 The paper is based on a review of existing literature, previously unpublished research and grower observations.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 will discuss the effect Citrus Greening Disease has had on the Florida citrus industry (especially in organic), and will give a high-level overview of the paper’s findings. The discussion will be led by Amber Sciligo, PhD, Science Program Manager, The Organic Center. Panelists include: Marty Mesh, Organic Visionary, Found Florida Organic Growers, Ben McLean, Head of Research, Uncle Matt's Organic, Inc.

Conference Information:

January 31 - February 2, 2019

Diplomat Beach Resort

Hollywood, FL