We're thrilled to be back 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. 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 is taking place at the InterContinental on the Wharf in Washington. Please visit our Resource Center in the Harbor Room on the second floor of the hotel if you have any questions during your time with us.
International Meeting for Members | EU Focused
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Room: Waterside 1
We will provide an overview of the status of the new EU organic regulations and present a detailed analysis of the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, with a particular focus on impact to US businesses. This will also be an opportunity for us to discuss thoughts/concerns/ideas ahead of the renegotiation of the US-EU organic equivalence arrangement. While this session is focused on US-EU trade, we will also save time for a roundtable discussion on other trade issues, including ongoing concerns regarding trade with Mexico and India.
Farmers Advisory Council Coffee
Time: 9:30 – 10:00 am
Room: Waterside 2
Farmers Advisory Council (FAC) members are invited to gather for coffee.
Climate Change Task Force Meeting
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Room: Waterside 3
An opportunity for task force members to share your climate proposals.
Livestock Feed Grain Issues
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Room: Waterside 2
An opportunity to discuss current issues facing the organic livestock feed sector, including feed shortages and international trade impacts related to India and Ukraine.
Best Labeling Practices for Textiles, Personal Care and Supplements
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room: Waterside 3
Join Gwendolyn Wyard, OTA’s VP of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, for a discussion about the development of best labeling practices for “organic" claims made on products that are outside of the National Organic Program’s scope of authority. This session will include an update on the work of OTA's task force, a preview of the “Best Labeling Practices Guide,” and a discussion on how to best achieve industry adoption and implementation.
Best Organic Labeling Practices for Personal Care Products Best Organic Labeling Practices for Textiles
The Organic Center Meet ‘n’ Greet
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room: Marina (third floor)
Join The Organic Center’s new Director of Science Programs, Dr. Amber Sciligo, to learn more about the recent work that has emerged from the Center like the FFAR Match program, and planned research trajectories including studies to showcase how organic farming is climate-smart, testing of glyphosate in retail milk, an evaluation of inadvertent pesticide contamination for organic farmers, and continued work on race, equity and inclusion in organic agriculture. Dr. Sciligo will also give a sneak peek of upcoming Organic Center reports and events, followed by a Q&A session.
Future of Organic Lunch, hosted by Farmers Advisory Council
Join members from the OTA Farmers Advisory Council for lunch and learn more about this important member community.
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Room: Waterside 1
Farm Bill Boot Camp
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Room: Waterside 3
Join Megan DeBates, OTA’s VP of Government Affairs for a Farm Bill Boot Camp where we’ll talk about organic policy priorities and the development of our 2023 Farm Bill platform.
Fiber Council Coffee
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Room: Waterside 2
Fiber Council members are invited to gather for coffee.
USDA: Supporting Organic Transition
Time: 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Room: Waterside 1
USDA has announced a $200 million Organic Transition Initiative to make transformative investments to support the transition to organic. Engage in a conversation with Bruce Summers, the Administrator for USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS), and other USDA staff on aspects and priority areas of the program.
USDA will share remarks on the program's status before opening the floor to a town-hall-style opportunity for OTA members to provide feedback to USDA and share priorities for the program. The session will include group discussions in sector breakouts followed by report-outs for targeted sector and supply chain issues, focusing on opportunities for USDA support through the program. Planned breakout topics include:
- Livestock Feed Grains: Domestic Production of Livestock Feed Proteins
- Specialty Crops / Produce / Seeds: Access & Affordability of Agricultural Inputs
- Rotational Crops / Fiber: Market Development for Rotational Crops; Integrating Hemp and Cotton into crop rotations
- Brands / Retailers / Manufacturers: Value-Chain Partnerships & Private Sector Solutions
Organic PAC Fundraiser
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Cantina Bambina – 960 Wharf St SW
PAC supporters are invited to attend our Organic PAC fundraiser Monday night. Join us for food, drink, and fun on the Wharf with an open bar, appetizers, and giant lawn games like Jenga, Corn Hole, and Connect 4. We will present Congressman Peter DeFazio with the Organic Champion Award for his longstanding work for the organic sector as one of the industry’s most influential champions since the establishment of USDA’s original organic standard.
The suggested minimum donation to attend is $100; if you would like to support Organic PAC and attend the event, contribute here. By following this link you are opting in to receive Organic PAC solicitations.
8:45 – 9:45 am | Press Breakfast
Members of the media are invited to join Reana Kovalcik, OTA's Director of Public Affiars in the media room for an informal morning briefing and breakfast. This will be a great opportunity to orient to the day, identify potential interviews, and discuss OTA priorities. There will be an embargoed announcement provided to attendees at the media breakfast. Please note that the breakfast session in the main hall is intended as an OTA Members-only networking event.
8:45 – 9:45 am | Pre-Conference Membership Meeting and Networking Breakfast
Organic Trade Association members are invited to join us for a membership meeting where we’ll discuss association business over a delicious organic breakfast. Our Board President will share updates from the Board, invite Sector Council leaders to share what they’ve been working on, honor outgoing Board members for their service, and formally welcome new OTA members to the trade association.
10:10 – 10:35 am | Executive Roundtable: Supply Chain Issues
The global supply chain is facing unprecedented stress due to the effects of the pandemic, trade issues, shipping restrictions and a host of other factors. Adding to that, organic has its own set of unique requirements constraining production and distribution. A group of leaders from diverse sectors of organic will discuss factors disrupting business at this time, as well as innovative solutions to address the issues.
- Speakers
- Tom Chapman | Announced Incoming CEO, Organic Trade Association (discussion leader)
- Corwin Heatwole | Founding Farmer & CEO, Farmer Focus
- Karst Kooistra | Sourcing Development Manager, Tradin Organics, USA
- Ricky Silver | Chief Supply Chain Officer, Daily Harvest
- John McKeon | Organic Integrity and Compliance, Taylor Farms
10:35 – 11:05 am | Panel Discussion: Exploring Models for Effective Climate Action
Organic is the original climate-smart agricultural system. Business leaders understand that to effectively engage on climate, they need to be involved in initiatives throughout their own supply chains, and by influencing local and national policy. Our panel of experts will discuss agriculture-based climate solutions ranging from those driven by the private sector to programs fueled by innovative state and federal policies.
- Speakers
- Chris Adamo | Vice President of Government Affairs, Policy, and Partnerships, Danone North America (discussion leader)
- Robert Bonnie | Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Programs, USDA
- Beth Jensen | Climate+ Strategy Director, Textile Exchange
- Joseph Brinkley | Director of Regenerative Farming, Fetzer Vineyards
11:05 – 11:35 am | Keynote: Diana Tellefson Torres, Executive Director, UFW Foundation
Farmworkers are at the heart of our nation’s agricultural system, and nowhere is this more accurate than in organic production, which relies on human labor, rather than toxic chemicals, to bring healthy crops to market. Tellefson Torres will discuss what she and UFW Foundation are doing to empower farmworkers, and about where additional advances are needed to create healthful living and working conditions for agricultural workers.
Diana Tellefson Torres is the founding executive director of the UFW Foundation, an organization that mobilizes farmworkers across the U.S. to advocate for more equitable policies, from immigration reform to worker protections — like heat standards, overtime pay, and pesticide protections. The UFW Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the United Farm Workers of America, the nation’s largest labor union for farmworkers. In addition to providing critical services for farmworkers — including assistance with wage claims, workplace discrimination, voter registration, tax preparation, and immigration — the UFW Foundation also engages thousands of Latinos, farmworkers, and immigrants in community outreach and organizing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFW Foundation played an essential role in supporting hundreds of thousands of farmworkers — distributing food, masks, and financial assistance; helping to secure $700 million in federal pandemic relief; and leading the fight for farmworker vaccination prioritization.
11:35 am – 12:05 pm | Panel Discussion: Impact of Pesticides on Communities of Color
Stephanie Jerger, OTA’s Vice President of Administration, will facilitate an important conversation about the outsized and often hidden toll of agricultural pesticides on communities of color. The discussion will incorporate a diversity of perspectives from those working directly in agriculture and scientists examining the human and environmental effects of its practices.
- Speakers
- Stephanie Jerger | Vice President of Administration, Organic Trade Association (discussion leader)
- Jade M. Algarín | Environmental Justice/Community Organizer, St. Croix Environmental Association
- Nicole Fabricant, PhD | Associate Professor, Towson University
- Brian Williams, PhD | Assistant Professor, Geography, Mississippi State University
- Amber Sciligo, PhD | Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- Eugene Pickett | Regional Coordinator, National Latino Farmers & Ranchers
Agrochemicals, Racism, and Social Justice [Organic Center Report]
12:05 am – 12:25 pm | Interview: Dani Nierenberg, Founder of Food Tank, with Chef Eric Adjepong on the Importance of Representation in Food
Chef Eric Adjepong has cooked in several Michelin-starred restaurants in New York after graduating with degrees in culinary arts and nutrition from Johnson & Wales, one of the country’s premiere culinary universities. He also holds a Master of Public Health in International Public Health Nutrition from the University of Westminster in London. He was first introduced to TV on Top Chef and was a finalist on season 16. He is now the host of Food Network’s Alex vs. America and a judge on Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games, Supermarket Stakeout, and more! Eric is also penning his first cookbook with Clarkson Potter and partnered up with Penguin Workshop to write a kids book that explores the culinary storylines of the African diaspora, peppered with kid-friendly recipes and visuals. Eric is a devoted and doting father to his daughter, Lennox. The family currently resides in (city), Maryland. Eric is represented by Arc Collective.
Danielle Nierenberg is a world-renowned researcher, speaker, and advocate on all issues relating to our food system and agriculture. In 2013, Danielle Nierenberg co-founded Food Tank(foodtank.com) with Bernard Pollack, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on building a global community for safe, healthy, nourished eaters. Food Tank is a global convener, thought leadership organization, and unbiased creator of original research impacting the food system. Danielle has an M.S. in Agriculture, Food, and Environment from the Tufts University FriedmanSchool of Nutrition Science and Policy and spent two years volunteering for the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. Danielle is the recipient of the 2020 Julia Child Award.
12:25 –1:25 pm | Organic Lunch
Sponsored by MOM's Organic Market
1:25 – 1:55 pm | Keynote: USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt will share how USDA can help grow demand for organic products and build infrastructure to meet that demand.
Jennifer Lester Moffitt is Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture, the first female to serve in this position. At USDA, she provides leadership for the Agricultural Marketing Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working to build a more reliable, resilient, and equitable food system by strengthening agricultural markets and ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. Prior to joining USDA, Under Secretary Moffitt worked at the California Department of Food and Agriculture where she championed the critically important work of farmers and producers in her roles as Undersecretary and Deputy Secretary.
1:55 – 2:15 pm | Conversation with Kathleen Merrigan on the Continuous Improvement and Advancement of Organic
It has been 30 years since the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) was signed into law, and organic has made significant advancements during that time. Organic is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. agriculture, now a $62 billion market. Shoppers are eating more organic food and using more organic products than ever before, and the accessibility and affordability of organic are increasingly within the reach of all. But there is still much to be done to ensure the continued success of the organic movement and truly achieve the gold standard in food systems. We need everyone seated at the table to successfully plot the next 30 years of organic.
Kathleen A. Merrigan is an expert in food and agriculture, celebrated by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010. Currently, she serves as the Kelly and Brian Swette Professor in the School of Sustainability and executive director of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University. From 2009 to 2013, Merrigan was deputy secretary and COO of the United States Department of Agriculture, where she led efforts to support local food systems. She is known for authoring the law establishing national standards for organic food and the federal definition of sustainable agriculture. Merrigan is a board member of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and a Trustee of CIFOR and ICRAF. She is a partner in Astanor Ventures and an advisor to S2G Ventures, two firms investing in ag-tech innovation. Merrigan holds a PhD in Public Policy and Environmental Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Master in Public Affairs from University of Texas at Austin, and BA from Williams College.
2:15 – 2:35 pm | Keynote: Ambassador Darci Vetter Debuts the Organic Trust Barometer
The Organic Trade Association has contracted with Edelman to benchmark and analyze trust in the organic seal, both in the U.S., and in key markets outside the country. Results of the investigation will be presented in an exclusive debut from Ambassador Darci Vetter. Building on decades of success of its Trust Barometer, Edelman designed a companion project that examines USDA Organic’s comparative trust and credibility among consumers in the U.S. and in key global markets.
Download the Organic Trust Barometer
Ambassador Darci Vetter is the Global Head for Policy and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy. As the new Global Head, Vetter will lead a team of policy and science professionals working to achieve transformational outcomes for conservation and climate solutions, aiming for policy changes globally, regionally, nationally, and locally.
Recently, Vetter was a diplomat in residence at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she worked to launch the Yeutter Institute in International Trade and Finance. From 2014-2017, Vetter served as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, a Senate-confirmed Presidential Appointment with the rank of ambassador. In this role, she was responsible for bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, including the Trans Pacific Partnership. She has decade’s worth of international public policy expertise and has held roles with the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
2:35 – 3:05 pm | Panel Discussion: Fostering Trust in Organic
3:05 – 3:05 pm | Keynote: Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett will deliver a keynote address on the importance of organic's contribution to people, the planet and sustainable economies. As Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research, she will share how we can work together to support the diversity of organic farmers and ranchers and build the infrastructure they need to meet rising consumer demand.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett represents the United States Virgin Islands’ at-large Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She is currently serving her fourth term in Congress. For the 117th Congress, the members of the House Steering and Policy Committee unanimously appointed Congresswoman Plaskett to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the oldest and one of the most exclusive committees in Congress. In true historic fashion, Mrs. Plaskett is the first Member from a U.S. territory and the fourth African-American woman to serve on this committee. Currently serving her fourth term on the House Committee on Agriculture Congresswoman Plaskett previously served as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research. Mrs. Plaskett is also a new member of the House Committee on Budget.
3:25 – 3:55 pm | Discussion: State-Level Advancement for Organic
Adam Warthesen of Organic Valley will moderate a discussion between Russell Redding, Secretary of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Melissa Hughes, Secretary and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, on the advancement of organic at the state level.
Governor Tom Wolf nominated Russell C. Redding to serve as the 26th Secretary of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in January 2015. Redding is the former dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley University formerly Delaware Valley College. Redding has extensive experience as a public servant, having spent more than 25 years serving Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and Washington D.C. A native of Pennsylvania, Redding has an innate understanding of production agriculture, stemming from his youth on his family’s dairy farm and his time as a dairy farm operator. He currently serves as Chair of the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Melissa “Missy” Hughes is the secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. She was appointed to the post by Governor Evers in September 2019. Prior to joining WEDC, she was chief counsel and chief mission officer for Organic Valley, a Wisconsin-based, nationwide cooperative of organic dairy farmers. In her role at WEDC, Secretary Hughes oversees efforts to attract businesses to Wisconsin and help existing businesses expand, meet current and future workforce needs, promote global trade and investment, support thriving communities and small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, address the unique needs of rural residents, and advance the economic well-being of every resident.
As Director of Government and Industry Affairs for Organic Valley, Adam Warthesen oversees the cooperative’s government affairs and engagement with industry trade groups. His duties include cultivating relations with policymakers, engaging administrative agencies, and driving forward-facing public relations with numerous food, farm and media stakeholders.
3:55 – 4:25 pm | Panel Discussion: Introducing the State Organic Network
An exciting, first-of-its-kind State Organic Network will advance state-level organic priorities identified by the people who grow, handle, process, sell and choose organic products.
Organic Leadership Awards Dinner Celebration | 6:45 PM
Join us and Chef Eric Adjepong for his custom dinner menu for our Organic Dinner Celebration honoring our 2022 Leadership Award Honorees. Our all-organic dinner party is all about honoring the organic community - the visionaries, leaders and heroes who are working to make our world a better place. We’ll share a toast to honor everyone along the value chain who works to advance organic through their work. This is a can’t-miss gathering for leaders looking to make memorable connections. It is always an evening to remember!
- 2021 Organic Leadership Award Honorees:
- Organic Pioneer: Mayra Velazquez de Leon of Organics Unlimited
- Organic Farmer of the Year: Amy Bruch of Cyclone Farms
- Community Service: Cassie Cyphers and Scott Erickson of Clif Bar & Company
- Climate Action: Britt Lundgren of Stonyfield Organic
Hill Visits | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Individual congressional and agency meetings based on constituency and organic policy priorities. OTA members who have opted in to participate in advocacy day can expect 1-3 targeting meetings on advocacy day. Hill Visits are our priority for Advocacy Day, and because they look different this year, we are planning alternative programming at the Intercontinental Hotel to engage our members on important topics. Please prioritize Hill Visits. If you signed up for Hill meetings, your personal schedule can be found in the AdvocacyDay app.
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Roundtable: Building the Organic Brand
A Creative Conversation about Modernizing the Organic Seal
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Room: Waterside 1
The organic seal was codified and put in the market 20 years ago. It is widely recognized because of the critical real estate in occupies on your labels, boxes, signage and trucks. It is facing unprecedented competition from competing, single attribute, and ‘beyond’ organic claims. The seal remains unchanged from 2002.
OTA has prioritized the continuous improvement of organic practices and standards and revitalizing the public-private partnership in organic but is it time to consider a rebrand to the seal. Can it reach new young and diverse shoppers? Can it better incorporate the benefits, values, and attributes of organic? Join a lively brainstorming session to explore what a new era for the organic seal might look like.
12:30 – 1:30 pm | Brown Bag Lunch with NOP
Time: 12:30 am – 1:30 pm
Room: Waterside 1
Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator at USDA National Organic Program, and key NOP staff will discuss the future of the public-private partnership for the organic industry.
2:30 – 4:00 pm | Roundtable: Advocating for Organic within National Retailer Sustainability Initiatives
Time: 2:30 am – 4:00 pm
Room: Waterside 1
National retailers are announcing sustainability goals and initiatives that give a favorable treatment of brands who use ‘regenerative practices’ or maintain 3rd party sustainability certifications. In some cases organic is not being recognized in these vendor scoring rubrics.
OTA has convened a task force to develop a data-driven communications toolkit to reduce national retailers' value appreciation of the organic seal for the purpose of breaking down barriers to recognition of organic certification in these national retailer sustainability goals and programs.
Join the OTA task force and leading brands to assess the national retailer landscape, problem solve and build a combined trade voice for organic in the development of these standards and recognition of organic within them.
Join OTA for a no-host happy hour at the InterContinental Bar starting at 4:30 pm.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Member Day | Monday, March 28, 2022
9:00 am: Registration opens. Grab-and-go organic breakfast and coffee are available throughout the morning.
Conference Day | Tuesday, March 29, 2022
8:00 am: Registration opens. All conference sessions will take place in Waterside 1.
Future of Organic Conference
10:00 am | Opening Remarks
4:30 PM | Closing remarks from Laura Batcha, OTA's CEO and Executive Director, and Matt Dillon, Chief Sustainability Officer at Farmer Focus, on the future of organic
Advocacy Day | Wednesday, March 30, 2022
We’re bringing organic back to the Hill for targeted in-person advocacy meetings with congressional leaders and government officials to advance organic policy priorities. To keep our advocates busy between meetings, we have an alternative programming track with executive roundtables on hot button issues, and opportunities to connect with your organic colleagues.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
