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What began in 1985 as the Organic Foods Production Association of North America (OFPANA) with a group of determined individuals seeking a way to build a trusted identity for organic products has become the Organic Trade Association (OTA).
OTA will commemorate its 25th anniversary through a variety of events, special projects, and celebrations throughout 2010.
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OTA 25th Anniversary Highlights
OTA's second Executive Director Caren Wilcox, current Executive Director Christine Bushway, and first Executive Director Katherine DiMatteo.
OTA continues to work to uphold and strengthen the U.S. national organic standards, which it sees as essential to safeguarding the integrity of the organic label and value to the products consumers can choose in the marketplace. Now, with its own office in Washington, D.C., OTA has stepped up its advocacy efforts to advance organic agriculture and trade. To help put these milestones in perspective, OTA asked a handful of members "What is the greatest achievement for organic thus far?" and “What’s left to be done?"
OTA celebrated its 25th anniversary and other industry milestones during its Policy Conference and Hill Visit Days at a very special reception in the House Agriculture Committee Hearing Room on Capitol Hill, co-hosted by OTA and OFRF. OTA also honored Congressman Collin C. Peterson with its 2010 Public Servant Award.
Toasting the many organic milestones are Mark Lipson, Julia Sabin, Phil Margolis, and Bob Scowcroft.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has reached a position of national and global leadership beyond what its founders ever imagined. Together, OTA members, Board and staff have achieved tremendous gains towards the promotion and protection of organic agriculture and trade. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, here are 25 milestones and accomplishments to remind us how far we’ve come.
Organic Processing magazine marked OTA’s 25th Anniversary with a feature article. The Organic Trade Association: 25 Years of Moving the Organic Industry Forward, Past and Present OTA Leaders Celebrate Victories and Discuss Future Challenges and Opportunities. Contributors include Thomas Harding, Katherine DiMatteo, Bill Wolf, Joe Smillie, Bob Anderson, Mark Retzloff, Caren Wilcox, Phil Margolis, Julia Sabin, and Christine Bushway.
For 25 years OTA has provided its members with opportunities to stay ahead of industry issues, to make crucial business connections, and to be heard as part of a unified voice for organic. In the spirit of celebrating OTA’s 25th Anniversary, here are five ideas across five categories for simple ways to Get the OTA Advantage in 2010.
Please check back regularly for updates on OTA activities.
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