This is a critical time for the organic sector. The Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week in Washington, D.C., May 14-16, 2024 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.
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.
Attending Organic Week DC? Share your excitement on your social media here.
Register Here
Blue
We are seeking listening session participants for a USDA OREI-funded project focused on equipping organic growers and industry stakeholders with science-based tools and training to enable them to comply simultaneously with organic agriculture rules and food safety requirements lowering food safety barriers for organic growers. Listening sessions are expected to take place during Organic Week at the Park Hyatt, May 13-15.
At each listening session, the facilitators will invite organic stakeholders to offer feedback about our planned risk assessment tool for soil amendments and an associated training program.
We are reaching out to Organic Week attendees to gauge level of interest. If you are interested in the listening sessions, please let us know by completing this form and we will add you to the follow-up list to receive further information.
➜ Welcoming remarks | Foyer/Gallery
➜ Organic Market Trends & Consumer Insights
The organic market continues to grow despite challenging headwinds. Consumers expect to see the full scope of their values reflected in the products they choose – including environmental sustainability, human health, animal welfare, and social justice. This interest and willingness to pay for the beneficial attributes of organic continues to foster industry growth. Join this session for a deeper dive into organic consumer data, hear challenges and opportunities across all product categories, and gain insight into the purchasing patterns and drivers of organic shoppers.
- Tom Chapman | Co-CEO | Organic Trade Association
- Scott Dicker | Market Insights Director | SPINS
➜ Organic Market Opportunity
As the global economy fluctuates and consumers chase trends, organic systems are vulnerable to real challenges that impact every segment of the industry, but opportunity is still ripe. Hear from an organic leader with his eyes set on brighter horizons on how the industry can amplify the value of the organic premium and expand access to more households.
- John Foraker | CEO | Once Upon a Farm
10:10 AM - 10:25 AM │ Break
Blue
➜ Unlocking the Organic Promise: Strategies for Organic Amidst the Proliferation of Eco-Labels
“Organic” is a term that has been used for over thirty years to demonstrate the prioritization of sustainable business practices, accountability, trust, and transparency to consumers. But diverse label claims that are stacking up on the front panel of many products are catching shoppers’ attention. The proliferation of eco labels and other claims in B2B discussions and on consumer-facing labels, promotes a holistic change to agricultural systems but many of these claims have no universal or regulatory definition and they have varying degrees of verification. What do these trends in impact reporting mean for the organic sector, and what are the best methods for protecting the value and integrity of the organic label and promoting the benefits of organic practices in this competitive environment?
- Krista Kinder | VP of Brand Marketing & Communications | Organically Grown Company
- Dr. Derric Pennington | Senior Sustainability Scientist | Dept. of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
- Paul Schiefer | President | Amy's Kitchen
- Carolyn Gahn | Senior Director, Mission & Advocacy | Applegate
➜ Organic Roots Remain Relevant
While the original motivations for developing organic markets varied, many advocates saw organic as a vehicle for creating resilient regional farm and food economies. This session will explore how CSAs, farmers markets, regional food hubs, grower groups and small holder cooperatives – all remain relevant to the ongoing success of our sector and provide value for our consumers.
- Daniella Velazquez de Leon | General Manager | Organic's Unlimited
- Bill Green | Executive Director | The Common Market Southeast
- Matt Landi | CEO | Vermont Way Foods
- Ryan Zinn | Regenerative Projects Manager | Dr. Bronners Magic Soaps
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM │ Networking Lunch | Foyer/Gallery
Blue
➜ Organic Agricultural Outlook Sessions
Delve into an array of breakout sessions designed specifically for businesses and farmers navigating the organic market's evolving landscape. The Outlooks are designed to support the growth, sustainability, and resilience of the agricultural sector by providing a comprehensive platform for information exchange, policy discussion, and collaboration. These conversations will cover various topics including market trends, policy, research, and different perspectives. From the market side, hear from experts covering the most recent market forecasts, factors, and trends, along with expert analysis. From the policy side, join sector-relevant policy discussions, including government regulations and programs, trade agreements, and other sector-specific issues. These outlooks will bring together a variety of perspectives from farmers, manufacturers, academics, and policymakers to share a 360-degree perspective. This promises to be a networking event, with opportunities for panelists and participants to build relationships within the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, these sessions offer valuable knowledge to enhance your understanding of the market and policy dynamics affecting organic supply and demand in your sector.
Green Lemon
➜ Organic Dairy Outlook Breakout
The organic dairy sector has faced numerous challenges over the past few years, from skyrocketing feed prices to economic pressures stemming from government policies, shifts in the marketing and logistics costs, shake-ups in market players, and the impacts of climate change. This session will cover a range of policy topics relevant to the dairy industry, including an update on HAPI in Dairy, updates on USDA programs to ensure a thriving organic dairy sector and an initiative addressing the impact of the Federal Milk Marketing Order on the organic sector. Additionally, we will hear from an emerging dairy brand that is leveraging government grants to grow its farm, brand and impact.
- Adam Warthesen | Director of Government & Industry Affairs | Organic Valley | OTA Board Vice President and Dairy Council Chair
- Chip English | Partner | Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
- John Berge | Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs | USDA
- Dr. Mark Lyons | Director of the APHIS Ruminant Health Center | USDA
- Hayley Painter | Co-Owner | Painterland Sisters
➜ Organic Ingredient Outlook
The Organic Ingredients panel will feature leading experts and businesses, providing the latest market forecasts, factors, and trends, along with expert analysis. Panelists will provide updates on the markets for organic cocoa, sunflower oil, and palm oil. These major ingredients are often paired with other domestically sourced ingredients to make the variety of organic products available on shelves today. However, challenges in the market from world events such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, and shipping disruptions in Panama and the Red Sea, weather and breakdowns in conventional markets all impact these commodities significantly. This session promises to be a crucial conversation about critical ingredients vital for the processing of organic products.
- Ann Marie Hourigan | Quality Standards Executive Leader | Whole Foods | OTA Board Member
- Hobbs Wolcott | President | Tradin Organic USA
- Aaron Iverson | National Sales Manager | Global Organics
- Felipe Guerrero | Executive Vice President | Daabon
➜ Organic Poultry Outlook Breakout
Poultry and eggs are the two largest sources of animal protein and are vital markets for organic consumers. Recent years have been challenging for the sector, with spikes in organic animal feed prices, ongoing need to access essential nutrients through food additives, and swings on animal welfare rulemaking under organic standards. Additionally, broader factors such as changing consumer interests in meat in younger generations, the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and changes in state and federal regulations on the poultry industry have presented both opportunities and challenges in producing and marketing organic poultry products. Join a panel of industry leaders for a dialogue on these critical topics.
- Tracy Favre, P.E. | Vice President Sustainability, Live Operations | Handsome Brook Farms | OTA Board President
- Stephen Shepard | CEO | Farmer Focus
- David Will | General Manager | Chino Valley Ranchers
- Heidi Diestel | President of Sales & Marketing | Diestel Family Ranch
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Networking Break
Green Lemon
➜ Organic Grains, Oilseeds, and Pulses Outlook Breakout
The Grains, Oilseeds, and Pulses panel will feature leading experts and businesses, offering recent market forecasts, factors, and trends, along with expert analysis. Panelists will provide updates on the markets for organic soybeans, corn, peas, wheat, and oats. Additionally, the discussion will address policy implications, including the impact of government regulations and programs, trade agreements, and trade disputes. A specific focus will be given to an update on the International Trade Commission (ITC) case concerning organic peas and antidumping measures.
- Ed Fish - Vice President | General Manager Varietal Solutions | Bay State Milling | OTA Board Member and Grains Council Chair
- Nicole Atchison, PhD | CEO | Puris
- Sam Raser | Purchasing | Grain Millers
- Alexander Schultz | Senior Reporter | Argus Media
➜ Organic Produce Outlook Breakout
Organic produce accounts for nearly a third of all organic sales, yet it has experienced slower growth in the past year compared to the overall organic market. Join experts as they discuss a variety of pertinent topics for the produce community, including the economics of produce, market opportunities, and challenges in processed produce. Additionally, we will explore relevant issues that extend beyond organic produce, which could be addressed in the upcoming farm bill. Trade leaders and academics will guide this deep dive into these critical topics.
- John McKeon | Director of Organic Integrity & Compliance | Taylor Farms | OTA Produce Council Chair
- Paul Mitchell | Director | Renk Agribusiness Institute & Professor | University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Tim Griffin | Vice President of Global Sourcing | Amy’s Kitchen
- Sara Neagu-Reed | Director of Production & Environmental Policy | International Fresh Produce Association
➜ Organic Export Opportunities & Challenges Breakout
International trade is a critical element of the organic marketplace. With varying regulations and authorities worldwide, trading in organic products can quickly become complex. This panel will bring together experts from both the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and international bodies to address critical issues impacting the organic sector. We will explore global consumer insights related to the organic and USDA labels, provide updates on the status of trade with Canada and the EU, review Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) challenges in accessing the EU market, and discuss new import codes for organic commodities entering Canada. This conversation will be invaluable for anyone involved in international trade within their supply or customer base.
- Sarah Gorman | International Programs Manager | Organic Trade Association
- Chris Anderson | Senior Trade Advisor | Sustainable Strategies Advisors
- Jan Plagge | President | Bioland & IFOAM Organics Europe
- Tia Loftsgard | Executive Director | Canada Organic Trade Association
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Networking Break
Green Lemon
➜ Organic Farm Economy Outlook Breakout
The Organic Farm Economy panel will delve into a discussion about the financial health and well-being of our most important members—farmers. Expert analysts, academics, and on-the-ground farmers will discuss the latest data, studies, and experiences concerning farm economics and how market forces are impacting the livelihood of America's organic farmers. Panelists will compare returns from organic and conventional farming, discuss recent findings on the state of the organic dairy farm economy, and align these with the firsthand experiences of an organic dairy and grain farmer.
- Kellee James | VP of Agriculture North America | Argus Media
- Michael Langemeier | Associate Director | Center for Commercial Agriculture & Professor | Dept. of Agriculture Economics, Purdue University
- Chuck Nicholson | Associate Professor | University of Wisconsin, Madison
- John Berge | Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs | USDA
- Dan DeSutter | Farmer | DeSutter Farms
➜ Organic Fiber Discussion Breakout
There is always much to discuss in the organic fiber sector, from the impacts of limited cotton supply and investment in U.S. growing and manufacturing, to opportunities for consumer education. Please join other members of the fiber sector for a conversation with OTA Fiber Council Chair on how the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the community can work collectively to advance the sector.
- Hosted by Elizabeth Tigan | Fiber and Textile Specialist | Oregon Tilth | OTA Fiber Council Chair
➜ Organic Sugar/Sweeteners Breakout
Organic sweeteners are crucial ingredients for both the vast array of processed organic products and for home shoppers looking to stock their kitchens with organic foods. The U.S. has limited access to domestically produced organic sugar, resulting in the majority being imported under quotas managed by the USDA and USTR. This session will explore the organic sugar market, detailing the processes and challenges involved in ensuring sufficient imports while protecting the domestic market. Additionally, we will delve into other vital organic sweetener markets, such as rice, tapioca, and agave, providing market forecasts, factors, and trends, along with expert analysis.
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM │ Break
Blue
➜ Organic Trade Association Annual Membership Meeting
The Organic Trade Association Board of Directors invites all Organic Week attendees to the Annual OTA Membership Meeting. Whether you’re a seasoned member or a first-time Organic Week attendee, this is a can’t miss session to hear the latest trade association updates directly from the leadership team. You’ll learn about new board members, key trade association priorities, member community updates, and other opportunities for membership engagement. The OTA Board of Directors is excited to celebrate these successes, all Organic Week attendees are welcome to attend.
Green
Leadership Awards Reception
After a productive day of conference programming, you won’t have to go far for this official conference welcome reception to celebrate and honor the organic community. The Organic Trade Association will present it’s Annual Organic Leadership Awards recognizing individuals who have shown leadership and vision in furthering the goals of the organic movement. We’ll share a toast to honor everyone along the value chain who works to advance organic.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM │ Breakfast
Blue
➜ Loop the Lincoln (Registration Required)
Kick-off day 2 of Organic Week programming with a 5k loop around the National Mall! This CLIF BAR sponsored event is a great opportunity to see iconic D.C. monuments and have casual conversation with Organic Week participants, as well as Administration and other Hill staff, while getting some exercise and fresh air during a busy week! We hope you can join us for this free event – but please register if you plan to attend. Register here!
Green Lemon
➜ Ask Me Anything Breakouts
Take advantage of these Ask Me Anything office hours to connect with OTA staff to network and ask questions. Has Organic Week programming sparked a new idea that you’d like to brainstorm with others? Have a question about your hill visit meetings? Wondering what regulatory topics are on the NOSB agenda? Interested in utilizing OTA toolkits to help market organic products? All these questions and more are welcome during Ask Me Anything Breakouts.
- Scott Rice | Sr. Director, Regulatory Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Laura Holm | Legislative & Farm Policy Associate | Organic Trade Association
- Violet Batcha | Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications | Organic Trade Association
- Stephanie Jerger | Vice President of Operations | Organic Trade Association
- Sarah Gorman | International Trade Manager | Organic Trade Association
- Amber Sciligo | Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
Blue
➜ Hill Talk – Politics, Farm Bill, Appropriations and All Things Ag Policy
How do the actions of Congress impact your business every day? Join ex-congressional staffers and current advocates on the Hill to talk Farm Bill, Appropriations, Bipartisan opportunities and challenges, and how all of these things will impact the future of the organic sector. We might even ask folks to look into their crystal ball on what the future holds post-election. Hosted by OTA board member Britt Lundgren from Stonyfield, we will explore organic priorities and look for guidance and recommendations for how we can best show up at our meetings on Advocacy Day.
➜ Ambitious Goals: Learning from Europe’s Organic Action Plan
As a part of Europe’s ambitious green deal, they have committed to converting 25% of agricultural land to organic by 2030, up from the current 8.5%. The EU is employing a comprehensive strategy and policy, investing to grow both production and consumption to hit these targets. What success has Europe had and what challenges do they still face? What insights can the United States gain from these European experiences and strategies?
- Eduardo Cuoco | Director | IFOAM Organics Europe
➜ Building the Public Private Partnership
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack speaks on how USDA is working to keep pace with the needs of organic farmers and shoppers by ensuring standards are responsive to new evidence and marketplace demands. This includes the implementation of recent SOE and OLPS standards and what standards are next on USDA’s agenda to ensure the organic marketplace continues to grow and evolve. Additionally, the session will cover how USDA includes organic within Climate Smart initiatives and ensures organic farmers are being recognized for practices delivering climate and biodiversity benefits, and how research programs are expanding in support of organic agriculture. While the research focused specifically on organic accounts for just a fraction of agricultural research dollars, organic research actually benefits all farm types – not just organic! We are seeking listening session participants for a USDA OREI-funded project focused on equipping organic growers and industry stakeholders with science-based tools and training to enable them to comply simultaneously with organic agriculture rules and food safety requirements lowering food safety barriers for organic growers. Listening sessions are expected to take place during Organic Week at the Park Hyatt, May 13-15.
At each listening session, the facilitators will invite organic stakeholders to offer feedback about our planned risk assessment tool for soil amendments and an associated training program.
We are reaching out to Organic Week attendees to gauge level of interest. If you are interested in the listening sessions, please let us know by completing this form and we will add you to the follow-up list to receive further information.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM │ Networking Lunch
Blue
➜ Expanding the Benefits of Organic into the Next Generation
OTA has been improving its communication of the benefits of organic to People, Planet, and Business. And yet perhaps the most important stakeholder in transforming farming, food and fiber isn’t those of us in attendance today, but the next generation. How do we work to ensure opportunity and access to the next generation of farmers, business entrepreneurs, and consumers? Who do we need at tomorrow’s table that is not well-represented today? A group of advocates and entrepreneurs will discuss their work in serving tomorrow’s stakeholders, and how we can invest today to improve future access to the benefits of organic.
➜Cultivating Organic Synergy: Piecing Together Research, Application, and Communication
Navigating the realm of organizations committed to organic research and technical assistance can be daunting. Entities like The Organic Center, Organic Farming Research Foundation, Organic Agronomy Training Service, and universities dedicated to organic research while seemingly overlapping, each contribute uniquely to the advancement of organic research and technical support. These organizations are each vital for enhancing organic agriculture's sustainability, productivity, and impact. This session is dedicated to demystifying the roles and efforts of these organizations and how you can be a part of the solution. Be part of the dialogue on the areas and needs for organic research, application, and education that will drive organic growth in the future.
- Amber Sciligo, PhD | Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Brise Tencer | Executive Director | Organic Farming Research Foundation
- Gordon Merrick | Senior Policy & Programs Manager | Organic Farming Research Foundation
- Mallory Krieger | Executive Director | Organic Agronomy Training Service
➜ Sowing the Seeds for Sustainable Growth
Organic is now a $67 billion industry, hitting another high-level mark for the resilient sector. With this growth comes new questions about how to effectively sustain the momentum of the movement. In order to address bottlenecks in domestic production, USDA is investing in growth strategies by awarding new Organic Market Development Grants (OMDG) to build domestic supply and ensure the industry is equipped to meet consumer demand. Join USDA officials and OMDG program participants to learn more about how the grants will increase the production capacity and demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and address the critical need for additional paths to market.
Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt | Market and Regulatory Programs | USDA
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM │ Break
Blue
➜Organic Evolution: Reflecting on the SOE Rule and Charting the Path Forward
The recent Strengthening of Organic Enforcement rule represents the most significant change to organic regulations since their inception, expanding the certification requirement to include brokers, retail supply chains, distributors, imports, and other parties previously exempt. Now, two months beyond its implementation, it's crucial to reflect on the initial impacts and glean lessons from the rollout. What was successful and what was challenging? How has enforcement fared in these initial stages? This session will include leading figures from the National Organic Program (NOP) and industry experts to review the early outcomes of this landmark rule change and look to the future for additional opportunities for improvement. We'll delve into the vital balance between maintaining the integrity and trust in organic certification while ensuring the regulations do not become unduly burdensome to prevent market participation. Explore with us as we explore potential future course and opportunities for organic certification.
- Tom Chapman | Co-CEO | Organic Trade Association
- Dr. Jenny Tucker | Deputy Administrator | National Organic Program, USDA
- John Foster | Chief Operating Officer | Wolf and Associates
- Diana Kobus | Executive Director | Pennsylvania Certified Organic
➜ Nutrition Density
The nutritional quality of food depends on a complex array of factors, including crop genetics, growing techniques, environment, and post-harvest handling and processing post-harvest. Panelists will discuss the increasing interest in “sustainable nutrition” and the potential of organic farming.
- Tina Owens | Senior Advisor | Nutrient Density Alliance
- Kate Geagan | Co-Founder | Food + Planet
- Amari Thomsen | Director of Nutrition Marketing & Communications | Clif Bar & Company
➜ Closing
To close out this jam-packed two days of conference programming, join us for a recap of these inspiring Organic Week sessions. We aim build on this momentum on the Hill during Advocacy Day, and leave D.C. inspired and motivated to continue growing and protecting organic from farm to marketplace.
- Matthew Dillon | Co-CEO | Organic Trade Association
➜ Last Minute Hill Visits Ask Me Anything
Got a question about hill visits, how to talk to a congressman, need more information on OTA talking points? Talk with OTA's expert staff and other seasoned organic advocates to answer all your questions and to get tips for advocating on the hill.
Green
Organic PAC Fundraiser (registration required)
PAC supporters are invited to attend our Organic PAC fundraising on Wednesday night. Organic PAC is the only political action committee devoted to advancing organic’s voice with policymakers in our nation’s capital. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) will be joining us for this fun event! Become a PAC supporter today.
Heurich House Museum Biergarten
1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Advocacy Day | Thursday, May 16, 2024
With the Farm Bill back on the Congressional agenda, this year’s Advocacy Day and hill visits are critical to the advancement of organic. Members will work in small teams to attend hundreds of pre-scheduled meetings across Capitol Hill advocating for our organic policy priorities to ensure responsive organic standards, thriving American farmers, and resilient supply chains. If you are attending Organic Week and have not yet signed up for Hill Visits, please contact Laura Holm to get involved.
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM │ Breakfast & Hill Prep Office Hours | Foyer/Gallery
Blue
➜Advocacy Day Keynote
Join us for an engaging breakfast session with Dr. Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program (NOP). This intimate chat presents a rare opportunity to gain insight into the critical role of cooperation and coordination between the USDA and private partners in advancing organic. Discover firsthand what initiatives are currently underway and what future developments are on the horizon. Dr. Tucker will share her valuable perspective on the challenges and success of the NOP. Moreover, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Tucker, posing questions and discussing topics of interest. Don't miss this chance to connect with a leading figure in the organic movement and to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of organic.
- Dr. Jenny Tucker | Deputy Administrator | National Organic Program, USDA
➜Last Minute Hill Visits Ask Me Anything
Got a question about hill visits, how to talk to a congressperson, need more information on OTA talking points? Talk with OTA's expert staff and other seasoned organic advocates to answer all your questions and to get tips for advocating on the hill.
➜Attendees leave for Capitol Hill
Participating in Hill Visits is one of the most impactful ways a member can make a difference on behalf of the entire industry. Hill Visits is that direct link from membership to the elected officials and only happens once a year. By telling your story to Representatives and Senators, you can personally share how and why they should support organic. Knowing that making changes can improve the success and lives of their constituents is a key to winning support – and that only happens if you show up.
Customized meeting schedules are only guaranteed for registrants prior to April 22, 2024. After that date, we will try our best to accommodate your meeting requests but can’t guarantee a customized meeting schedule.
Click here to learn more about OTA’s policy priorities.
Cheers to a successful day with your fellow Advocacy Day participants! All are welcome to meet at Hamilton’s Bar & Grill, located at 233 2nd St. NW for a no-host happy hour after wrapping up meetings on the Hill.
Thank you to our generous 2024 sponsors!
