Our next COVID-19 forum is for farmers, ranchers, and producers to learn about new and existing aid programs designed specifically to assist them. Join us as we hear from Katie Naessens, Senior Professional Staff at the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, who will discuss the provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designed to benefit agricultural operations. We’ll also learn about administrative actions USDA has taken to provide relief for farmers, how it will implement the CARES Act, and what existing programs farmers can be accessing at this time. 

Presenters: 

• Katie Naessens, Senior Professional Staff, United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• More to be announced

REGISTER

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

REGISTER!

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 global accounting firm Marcum about risk and cash management strategies for business. There will be ample time for Q&A, and an opportunity for members to exchange information about what they are experiencing during the crisis, and how their businesses are committing to assist. This is the first in a biweekly series of Forums for OTA members to learn and exchange information during the COVID-19 crisis.

REGISTER HERE. For more information contact Angela Jagiello.

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, PhD, Associate Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
• David W. Crowder, PhD, Associate Professor of Entomology, Washington State University
• Olivia M. Smith, MS, PhD Candidate in Entomology, Washington State University

*Open to all

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 will look 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, PhD, Associate Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
• Kate Tully, PhD, Assistant Professor of Agroecology, University of Maryland

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*Open to all

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. 

Presenters: 

• Laura Batcha, Executive Director / CEO, Organic Trade Association
• Ben Diesl, VP of Quality Assurance, Grimmway Farms / Cal-Organic

REGISTER

*Available to OTA members only.

BIOFACH, the world's leading trade fair for organic food, is taking place February 12-15, 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany. BIOFACH is the perfect opportunity for visiting professionals to meet organic producers from the organic market and be inspired by the sector’s latest trends.

Organic Trade Association will host 15 U.S. organic companies at BIOFACH, and will also participate in the following education sessions and meetings at the show: 

Organic Processing and Trade Association (OPTA) Workshop | Tuesday, February 11 | 2:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Design Offices, Konigstorgraben 11

Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, and Senior Trade Advisor, Bob Anderson, will be participating in this pre-BioFach workshop and present outcomes from a recent residue testing project. 

Policy Day: The New EU Organic Regulation | Wednesday, February 12 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Hall St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

Updates and debate on the opportunities and the challenges of the new EU organic regulation which will enter into force in January 2021. The new rules will apply in the EU but worldwide as well, given the quantity and number of products imported. The panel will be composed of policymakers and representatives of the organic sector. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

North American Market Update | Thursday, February 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

The market develops dynamically. Organic 3.0 postulates further growth, inclusiveness and orientation towards a more differentiated sustainability products market. We deepen the market information from the IFOAM & OI/FiBL statistics book and reflect about trends and strategic market positioning. Expect a special look at growth forecasts and developments from a finance and banking perspective. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

Fraud, Gaps, and Loopholes: Private and Public Counteractions and Enforcement | Thursday, February 13 | 1:00 p.m - 2:45 p.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

Despite all efforts to improve the regulatory system and components of the organic guarantee, fraud is ongoing. Technologies and tools for improving, if not solving, the core problems are available. It needs a dedicated analysis and discussion about actions to change our approach. Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be presenting. 

Harmonization of Consumer Data | Thursday, February 13 | 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | Oslo, NCC Ost

An initiative has been started with the aim to harmonise organic consumer data collection at the international level to improve the visibility and comparability of national organic consumer data. Data collection concepts at national level will be presented same as concepts of international approaches. The session will close with a discussion on harmonisation opportunities. Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, will be speaking in this session. 

EU and USDA Changes in the Regulation for Trade and Processing | Thursday, February 13 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Istanbul, NCC Ost

EU and USDA are fully acting on new organic regulation requirements for certification, import-export, extra measures for organic integrity. How does it work out for international trade and processing? What about consequences for equivalence between EU and USDA? And what is the private sector developing to improve integrity of international organic supply. Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking in this session. 

Challenges for 100% Organic in EU: The Burden of Unharmonised Residue Handling | Friday, February 14 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | St. Petersburg, NCC Ost

A general introduction on the market-developments and perspectives of organic by prof Hamm of Kassel University and a detailed look to the challenge of integrity in organic (with a close look to the residue topic) by specialist from research, CB's and companies. Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking in this session. 

U.S. Regulatory Update: What's New for Companies Exporting to North America | Friday, February 14 | 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Istanbul, NCC Ost

This session will provide an overview of the organic regulatory framework and also discuss the Food Modernization Act (FSMA). Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be speaking in this session. 

U.S. - EU Stakeholder Meeting | Friday, February 14 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

This meeting is invite only, contact Alexis Carey for more information. 

Contact Alexis Carey, Organic Trade Association's International Trade Manager, to learn more and connect at the show!

Trade Fair Information:

February 12-15, 2020 

Exhibition Centre Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Germany

The Global Organic Produce Expo [GOPEX] is taking place January 9-11, 2020 in Miami, FL. 

GOPEX provides the fresh produce industry with the only globally driven show for organic produce. The show creates a forum for unique and specific opportunities for those who grow, distribute, pack and market fresh organic produce, to sell here in the Americas. This international trade show and conference provides the ideal opportunity for organic professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas, source new products and services, and do business with the industry’s leading growers, distributors, packer and retailers.

The Organic Trade Association will be speaking in the following education sessions at GOPEX:

Retail Panel | Friday, January 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Sparkle West

With organic continuing to drive sales gains in produce departments, a panel of key retail thought leaders examines trends behind organic growth, including supply, consumer demand, merchandising strategy, use of private labels and more.  Organic Trade Assoication's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey, will be speaking on this panel.

Organic 101 Breakout | Friday, January 10 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

New to the organic industry? Join us to 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 around the world. We'll discuss produce merchandising best practices with an eye toward alignment with organic regulations, as well as those that have been proven most successful with retailers and shoppers. Organic Trade Assoication's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking in this breakout. 

Organic Consumer Messaging for Maximum Impact | Friday, January 10| 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

A major, industry-invested consumer research project has revealed what drives a shopper to choose organic, what messages penetrate deeper than others, and what attributes of organic are the most valued by today's diverse customers. Come for a produce-focused look at the resulting toolkit, designed to help industry speak with unified voice, using the messages proven to be most compelling to our shoppers. Organic Trade Association's Director of Education and Insights, Angela Jagiello, will be speaking in this breakout. 

Organic Policy Panel | Friday, January 10 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Sparkle 11/12

Organic is the most highly regulated food system in the world. Come hear the latest from the individuals at the center of regulatory affairs for this $52 billion sector. Topics will include a review of enforcement actions at the National Organic Program. Organic Trade Assoication's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be speaking on this panel. 

Contact Angela Jagiello for more information. 

Expo Information:

January 9-11, 2020

Fontainebleau Luxury Hotel

Miami Beach, FL

The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) will present the 40th annual EcoFarm Conference, January 22 - 25, 2020 in Pacific Grove, CA. This Conference will feature 70+ groundbreaking workshops, keynote speakers, farm tours, exhibitors, seed swaps, live music, organic culinary fare, and an annual awards banquet. As the oldest and largest organic farming conference in the West, EcoFarm Conference is a prime networking and educational hub for farmers, ranchers, and all who work to support their success as stewards of the earth.

The Organic Trade Association's CEO/Executive Director, Laura Batcha, will be speaking at the following Workshop at the Conference: 

Safeguarding Organic from Fraud Workshop | January 23, 2020 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

The global organic market is now almost $90 billion annually, with the U.S. organic market alone accounting for $50 billion. Fraud is a huge threat to the organic market, and cannot be tolerated. In this session participants will learn about actions being taken at the local, national, and global level to prevent organic fraud. Panelists will discuss compliance monitoring; improving import oversight, certification and inspection protocols; and solidifying specific sections of the USDA organic regulations to protect organic integrity and bolster trust in the USDA Organic label. Participants will also learn what to do when they detect fraud, and how to file an actionable complaint to USDA’s National Organic Program.

The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, Dr. Jessica Shade, will be speaking at the following sessions at the Conference: 

Farmer-Inspired Research | January 23, 2020 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Whole-farm organic systems are hard to study scientifically, but some farmers and researchers are up to the challenge. This session will highlight one particular project at Phil Foster’s ranch, where after 30 or more years of farming, most vegetable diseases have disappeared or declined substantially. A unique research method, using big data sets of multi-sourced evidence, reveals the links between organic farming and disease suppression. Other farmer-driven projects will also be discussed, involving participatory research on subjects such as manure safety, biodiversity tracking, and organic control for citrus greening disease. When farmers are involved in planning and implementing research, the outcomes are more relevant and informative! 

Citrus Greening Listening Session | January, 23, 2020 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Sanderling 

Come be a part of developing a research project focused on providing much-needed knowledge and relief to organic citrus growers! This discussion group will address the challenges associated with growing organic citrus in the face of citrus greening. We will discuss concerns around citrus greening, experiences with materials and non-chemical methods of preventing or controlling the Asian citrus psyllid and the HLB bacterial infection, and research that is most needed for growers across citrus growing regions in the United States. This project is part of an OREI planning grant that was recently awarded from the USDA to a team including non-profits, academic researchers, and governmental agencies.  The information from this listening session will be used to develop a large-scale holistic project proposal targeted toward protecting organic citrus growers from citrus greening, slowing the spread, and reducing damage to currently infected groves.

Organic Trade Association Representative, Melody Meyer, will be moderating the following session at the Conference: 

Reducing Plastics in the Produce Department | January 24, 2020 | 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

While organic is the baseline for doing good, there is a growing demand to do more about the packaging used to grow, wrap and protect the products we consume. In this session, panelists will showcase innovative actions and programs aimed at reducing and/or eliminating the waste and toxicity of plastic packaging. We’ll look at the amount of plastic used to grow and ship organic produce and the emerging issue of “clean packaging.” Growers, handlers and retailers will hear examples of programs and opportunities to help start or further a program of their own. Consumers will leave with a call to action and a greater awareness of what to look for.

Conference Information: 

January 22-25, 2020

Pacific Grove, CA