INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
An Organic Leadership Award is the association’s highest honor. The award is given annually to an individual, inside or outside the organic industry, who has shown leadership and vision in furthering the goals of the organic movement. Traditionally, the award is presented at OTA’s Annual Awards Dinner.
GENERAL CRITERIA
OTA represents businesses across the organic supply chain—from farm to retail— and addresses all things organic, including food, fiber/textiles, personal care products, and new sectors as they develop. Nominees selected are current leaders in the organic movement, or recognized nationally for work in or relating to organic agriculture and trade.
In making an award, OTA has generally considered individuals who have:
Demonstrated skill, innovation, personal commitment, leadership and vision beyond the professional competence and requirements of the position for which s/he was employed.
Achieved identifiable and lasting changes to promote and protect organic agriculture and trade.
Inspired and persuaded others to act to advance the cause of organic agriculture and trade.
Nominations will only be accepted in writing and must use the questions on the nomination form to list the major contributions and activities of the nominee relating to the year’s award category and selection criteria (not to exceed 10 typewritten pages.) Nominations may not be made anonymously. Letters of endorsement to the nomination are encouraged.
2010 AWARD CATEGORIES AND SELECTION CRITERIA
For 2010, OTA is accepting nominations for two Organic Leadership awards.
1. OTA’s Organic Leadership Award for Achievement in Growing the Organic Industry
Nominees should be individuals who have made significant contributions to growing the organic industry via their work in any one or more of a number of areas such as consumer education and marketing, new market development, public relations, standards development, advocacy, and research.
2. OTA’s Organic Farming Leadership Award for Achievement in Growing Organic Agriculture)
Nominees should be individuals who have worked to increase the amount of land under organic management, expand the number of farmers using organic practices, or otherwise have made significant contributions to support and advance organic agriculture and trade at the farm level. Preference will be given to professional farmers.
NOMINATIONS/SELECTION PROCEDURE
The OTA Board of Directors shall determine the category and criteria for each year’s award.
Nominations may be made by individuals or organizations, using the nomination submission form provided by OTA.
1. The OTA Board of Directors shall determine the category and criteria for each year’s award.
2. Nominations may be made by individuals or organizations, using the nomination submission form provided by OTA.
3. Consideration will be given only to nominations that address the criteria and questions on the nomination submission form.
4. Nominations or endorsements received after submission deadline shall not be permitted.
5. Nominations shall be reviewed by the Board’s Community Relations Committee, which will then recommend the award recipient(s) to the Board for approval.
2010 AWARD TIMELINE
By January 15, 2010– OTA announces the award categories and criteria and issues a call for nominations
March 19, 2010– all nominations due
By April 30, 2009 – selection made
June 16, 2010 – OTA’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at All Things Organic™ in Chicago, IL.
