The 2019 NOP/ACA Professional Development Training will take place in Greenville, South Carolina, January 29-31, 2019. 

Gwendolyn Wyard, Organic Trade Association's Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, will present the following session at the training on January 30, 2019. 

Traceback and Supply Chain Verification
Speakers: Kyla Smith (Pennsylvania Certified Organic), Gwendolyn Wyard (Organic Trade Association), and Jessica Walden (Quality Assurance International)

What is Global Organic Supply Chain Integrity (GOSCI) and where does the Organic Trade Association’s Fraud Prevention Program stand? What is the certifier's and inspector's role when it comes to supply chain integrity? We'll look at some examples of traceability gaps and methods to address them. 

Event Information:

January 29-31, 2019

Greenville, South Carolina 

World Ag Expo is the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition featuring 1,450+ exhibitors and more than 100,000 attendees each year. Each year it is held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California,  starting on the second Tuesday of February. It has officially been designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as an affiliate of the Foreign Buyer Program, which encourages exportation of American made goods. 

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Industry Relations, Membership and Development, Cassandra Christine, will be attending to walk the show floor on Wednesday, February 13. If you'd like to connect with us at the World Ag Expo, contact Cassandra Christine!

Trade Show Information:

February 12-14, 2019

International Agri-Center

Tulare, California

Organicology 2019 will be taking place February 14 -16 in Portland, OR. With intensive training sessions, workshops, world class keynote speakers, amazing entertainment and networking, Organicology is a conference of its own class. Organicology seeks to bring all of the stakeholder groups to the table to not only develop skills in their own areas of activity but to gain exposure to the challenges and accomplishments of those in other areas of the trade and movement. Each day of Organicology offers different opportunities to learn. Thursday is for intensives, Friday is for workshops and our Ark of Taste Dinner and concert, and Saturday is our Exhibitor Showcase.

The Organic Trade Association’s VP of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be leading the following Intensive session taking place on Thursday, February 14.

Intensive: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? Integrity, Continuous Improvement and Evolution in the Organic Trade

In this intensive, we will look at IFOAM’s “Organic 3.0” and the OTA’s “Bold Steps” as potential guides for navigating the challenges now before us, and the “Middle Path”, developed by Organic Agsystems Consulting and Organically Grown Company staff as a process for deliberating options with the requirement that they provide open paths to continuous improvement through “relentless but patient” progress. Want to participate in shaping the future of the organic sector?  Want to learn how to break-down complex situations and find pragmatic, workable solutions?  Want to develop your management and problem-solving skills?  Then this is the intensive workshop for you!  Be prepared to be engaged!

The Organic Trade Association's Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions, Megan DeBates, will be leading the following workshop at the Conference on Friday, February 15.

Farm Bill & Organic Policy in 2019 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Speakers: Megan Debates; Steve Etka, National Organic Coalition; Nichelle Harriott; Chris Schriener, Oregon Tilth; Brise Tencer      

This workshop will provide an update on the 2018-19 Farm Bill, and dig into policies ranging from working lands conservation and crop insurance to research, certification cost share, and enhanced enforcement against fraudulent organic imports. Learn about key strategies and opportunities for grassroots outreach to engage and mobilize around critical organic wins. Panelists will provide a primer on new and returning members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the Organic Caucus, and other policy needs.

Also on Friday, February 15, Gwendolyn Wyard will be speaking at the following workshops:

Ferreting out Fraud and Securing Future Supplies |1:30pm  3:00pm
Speakers: John Saunders; Chris Schriener, Oregon Tilth; Jessica Shade, The Organic Center; Gwendolyn Wyard

This workshop focuses on the tools and technologies to verify organic integrity throughout an increasingly complex supply chain. Panelists will discuss a variety of available and emerging mechanisms for preventing organic fraud, including Blockchain, organic-approved fumigation, and upgrades to electronic organic certificate management.

Private Sector Solutions to Increasing Organic Seed Usage | 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Speakers: Andrew Black; Heron Breen, Fedco Seeds; Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance; Kristina Hubbard, Organic Seed Alliance; Logan Peterman, Organic Valley; Gwendolyn Wyard

The availability of organic seed and planting stock has dramatically increased, yet further improvement is needed. From improving regulatory frameworks to strengthen and clarify organic seed requirements to increased investments in research, education, and resources, this interactive workshop explores private sector solutions to expanding organic seed usage. Panelists will focus on how to develop the relationship and commitment between organic food processors, growers, and seed providers.

Organic Trade Association Board Member David Lively of Organically Grown Company is organizing an Organic Trade Association social at Organicology on Friday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m, taking place at the Hilton in Broadway I/II. 

But What has the Organic Trade Association Done for Me Lately?
Ever wonder exactly what the Organic Trade Association (OTA) does, or how its efforts benefit you?  Or maybe you are one of those of the opinion that the OTA’s activities only serve the needs of “the big boys” and not the historic trade and the organic grower base? Here is a chance to sharpen you awareness of the many challenges facing the organic movement and trade, and learn how our most significant national organization takes them on. This event, sponsored by OTA members from the fresh produce sector, will feature OTA Executive Director Laura Batcha in a Q&A session covering the broad range of concerns and activities that occupy the OTA’s staff and members on a daily basis. The setting is casual and the refreshments first rate. This event is open to both members and non-members. Please join us for an enlightening discussion!

Conference Information:

February 14-16, 2019

Hilton Portland Downtown

Portland, OR

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Annual Meeting will take place in Izmir, Turkey from February 18-20, 2019. 

The GOTS Regional Seminar will take place on Monday, February 18 from 9:30am - 5:30pm. Through focused and challenging discussions, this one-day seminar shall address pressing issues relevant to the organic textiles industry. It shall equip participants with best practices and know-how relating to the biggest opportunities – and challenges – help to transform their supply chains to achieve efficiency through sustainability. Along with speakers from the international GOTS team, it will also bring together top business leaders, brands, social and chemical compliance experts and practitioners, certification bodies and manufacturers, offering the exciting opportunity for a thorough exchange of experience and ideas.

The Organic Trade Association's VP of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, as well as the Organic Trade Association's Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will be attending the meeting. For more information, contact Johanna Mirenda. 

Meeting Information: 

February 18-20, 2019 

Movenpick Hotel

Izmir, Turkey 

The Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) will host the 2019 MOSES Organic Farming Conference February 21-23 in La Crosse, WI. This Conference is the largest event in the U.S. about organic and sustainable farming, offering 66 workshops over 6 sessions, inspiring keynotes, engaging roundtables, and a resource-packed exhibit hall with over 170 vendors. Organic University, day 1 of the conference, provides full-day courses that dig deeper into specific farming topics.

Melody Meyer, founder of Source Organic, will present the following sessions at the Conference on behalf of the Organic Trade Assocation. 

International Trade | Friday, February 22, 3:30pm
Speaker: Melody Meyer

The global organic marketplace is constantly shifting, making your farm products more or less desirable. Gain an understanding of the global marketplace and learn how to interpret its forecast so you can make better decisions about what to grow and market.

Organic Check-Off | Saturday, February 23, 8:30am
Speakers: Melody Meyer, Jim Riddle, Kathleen Delate

Since the USDA halted a mandatory organic check-off to fund research and promotion of organic, members of the organic sector are looking at a voluntary check-off program called GRO Organic. Learn about this option and hear different perspectives on the need for organic research, promotion, and consumer education. Weigh in with your own “big idea” to advance organic.

The Organic Center's Science Project Manager, Amber Sciligo, will be presenting the following session at the Conference:

Beyond Till vs No-Till | Saturday, February 23, 10:30am
Speaker: Amber Sciligo

Intensive agriculture practices have depleted our soils and accelerated climate change, but the good news is practices employed by organic farmers can rebuild soil. Learn about cutting-edge research on organic’s soil-building potential and strategies you can use on your farm to help mitigate climate change.

For more information, contact Adrienne Messe.

Conference Information: 

February 21-23, 2019

La Crosse Center

La Crosse, WI

FOODEX JAPAN is the Asia's leading trade show, taking place March 3-8 in Tokyo, Japan.  Over the 4 days of the exhibition, about 85,000 buyers from food service, distribution, and trading companies are expected to attend. Attention will be given to the expansion of business opportunities domestically and internationally upon the activation of the TPP. Numerous buyers will also be attending from abroad, and business talks will be held with domestic and international manufacturers.

Registration is open for shared booth space with the Organic Trade Association at FoodEx 2019. The registration fee is $600 for new exhibitors to FoodEx Japan and $1,000 for return participants when you sign up with the Organic Trade Association. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee covers one round-trip economy flight to Japan (booked through an Organic Trade Association travel agent), a single hotel room for the duration of the activity, one 1 m table top counter display within the Organic Trade Association booth in the USA Pavilion, logo screening and other marketing materials, and an interpreter shared among exhibitors. All other expenses--meals, samples, cost to and from the airport--are your responsibility. The show dates are March 5–8, with arrival in Japan on March 3. Sign up now! For more information, contact OTA's International Trade Manager, Alexis Carey.

Note:  For all USDA MAP programs, the products you promote must be produced in the United States and contain at least 51% or more U.S. produced ingredients either by value (cost of the ingredients) or volume (against overall weight of the product).  

Trade Show Information:

March 3-8, 2019

Venue - Makuhari Messe

Tokyo, Japan

The Spring Board Meeting will take place on Thursdsay, May 23, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C., directly following the Organic Trade Association's Policy Conference.

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

Organic Trade Association members are welcome to attend and observe in-person Board meetings, with the exception of any Executive Session.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger. 

Meeting Information:

Thursdsay, May 23, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Washington, D.C. 

The Organic Trade Association Summer Board Meeting Phone Conference will be taking place on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST.

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger. 

Meeting Information:

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST.

Phone Conference 

The Organic Trade Association Fall Board Meeting will be taking place on September 11, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. The meeting will be held in conjunction with Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, MD.

The OTA Board of Directors typically meets as a full Board at least four times a year, two or three in-person meetings and one or two via teleconference. Each Board member serves on one of the three committees: Executive, Community Relations, or Governance.  Each committee typically meets once per month.

For more information, contact Stephanie Jerger. 

Meeting Information:

September 11, 2019 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST

Baltimore, MD