Join us to learn about the issues defining organic during regularly scheduled monthly webinars.
The Organic Trade Association is your source for organic industry news and information. With our expert staff, board and member communities, the Organic Trade Association and The Organic Center are uniquely positioned to keep you informed on the regulatory, scientific, and business conversations at the heart of organic. Webinars are offered free to members as a trade association benefit.
If you have a topic for a webinar that you'd like us to consider hosting in the future, please reach out to our Director of Education & Insights, Angela Jagiello. We welcome your suggestions.
Green and Orange
OTA Briefing on USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule
Friday, February 3 at 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule is finally here! This new regulation from the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) represents the biggest change to organic regulations since the creation of the NOP. It closes gaps in current organic regulations and builds consistent certification practices to prevent fraud and improve the transparency and traceability of organic products.
The Organic Trade Association is here to help our members prepare for implementation by providing the support and resources needed to ensure successful compliance with this significant new rule. Join OTA’s expert regulatory team for our first-look briefing on the rule – exclusive to OTA members. OTA’s Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, and Farm Policy Director, Johanna Mirenda, will provide you with a high-level analysis of the SOE regulation and what the new regulations mean for you. This briefing is exclusive to OTA members and will be recorded and shared out with members after its completion.
Exclusive to OTA members
REGISTER
This webinar will be recorded. Register now to receive quick access to the webinar after the briefing, exclusively for OTA members. Questions about your organization's membership status? Please contact Danielle Cote, OTA's Membership Manager.
Blue and Orange
OTA Briefing on Organic Priorities for 2023 Farm Bill Fight
Thursday, February 8 at 4 pm ET (45 minutes)
The Organic Trade Association is gearing up for the 2023 Farm Bill fight! The Farm Bill is an omnibus package of legislation that is renewed every five years. It sets the agenda for agriculture policy and spending for years to come and is critical to the success of the organic marketplace. As we head into the 2023 Farm Bill cycle, join OTA’s expert legislative staff to get an exclusive first look at the organic policy priorities in the trade association’s 2023 Farm Bill Platform. Because organic food and products start with the farm, OTA’s platform is based on extensive consultations and recommendations from our Farmers Advisory Council (FAC), one of the largest coalitions of organic farmers and farming organizations in the U.S. representing more than 8,500 growers across regions and crop types. We also hosted a series of workshops with nearly 300 certifiers, growers, consumer-facing brands, retailers, and non-profit organizations to determine policies that will support organic agriculture into the next decade and beyond.
The outcome? Policy priorities centered around ensuring responsive organic standards, thriving American farmers, and resilient organic supply chains. With a polarized Congress and the retirement of members who long championed organic, we have an uphill battle to safeguard the sustained growth of the $63 billion annual U.S. organic sector. Learn from OTA where and how your business can engage and what to message on organic priorities as we take the Farm Bill fight up to the Hill in 2023. Join the fight today to secure the global organic marketplace and bring further economic benefits to U.S. producers and their locally connected supply chains.
Open to all
REGISTER
The briefing is 45 minutes and will be recorded. Register today to gain access to the recording when first made available on demand.
Green Lemon
Tracking Flavor Trends in Organic
Wednesday, February 22 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT
Want to learn more about the flavors, ingredients and regional influences shaping the organic food market? Heading into trade show and product launch season, join the Organic Trade Association and Nielsen for a data-rich walkthrough of flavor trends in the growing organic sector. If you are a trend watcher, sourcing director, food scientist, R&D professional, or retail merchant, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain insight into what organic shoppers are craving.
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
REGISTER
This webinar will be recorded and shared with all approved registrants following the presentation. If you have questions about your membership status or would like to pay to attend, please contact Danielle Cote, Membership Manager at dcote@ota.com.
The Organic Trade Association is dedicated to providing the insight you and your team need to advance organic. If you missed the opportunity to participate in one of our live webinars, you can continue your organic education by registering to view our on-demand Webinars.
Red
Presented Wednesday, January 18, 2023 (90-minute webinar)
Are you a retailer or brand selling organic clothing, loungewear, towels, bedding, or mattresses? Looking for tools to explain the benefits of organic textiles or the strengths and requirements of the organic certification system? Join the Organic Trade Association’s Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, and members of our Organic Fiber Council for our upcoming webinar and learn about these benefits and strengths.
During the webinar hosted by OTA’s Fiber Council, and co-hosted by GOTS and Textile Exchange, we were joined by brand and certification experts in organic textiles and certification to talk about why organic textiles are good for the planet, people, and business and why organic certification matters. In this session, you learn how organic certification works, how to read labels appropriately, and how to buy and sell with confidence in today’s marketplace. Follow the thread and join us now!
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Angela Wartes-Kahl, Consultant | Organic Integrity Cooperative Guild
- Barry Cik, Founder, Technical Director & Co-CEO | Naturepedic Organic Mattresses
- Elizabeth Tigan, Fiber and Textile Specialist | Oregon Tilth
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- La Rhea Pepper, Catalyst and Co-Founder | Textile Exchange
- Lori Wyman, North American Representative | Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- Marci Zaroff, Founder/CEO | EcoFashion Corp.
- Michael Twer, CEO | Delilah Home & OTA’s Fiber Council Chair
- Travis Wells, Protection Officers | Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Open to all
WATCH NOW
Presented Wednesday, December 14th
In 2022, following the adoption of a sweeping JEDI Commitment, Organic Trade Association made several decisive steps toward cultivating a more diverse and equitable organic industry. As we close out this eventful year, we have the opportunity to reassess the landscape and identify new ways to foster a more inclusive and just organic sector. Our panel will call attention to some of the challenges that disproportionately impact farmers of color. Attendees will hear from the team of academic fellows who led the work to establish OTA’s Diversity Resource Library. We’ll also discuss finance – existing impediments and new opportunities – for diverse and underrepresented organic farmers (and other entrepreneurs).
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Carolina Mueller, Coalitions Manager | National Young Farmers Coalition
- Katrina Pitts, Doctoral Student & Diversity Fellow | Morgan State University & Organic Trade Association
- Robyn O’Brien, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Impact | rePlant Capital
- Seanicaa Edwards Herron, Founder and Executive Director | Freedmen Heirs Foundation
- Tracy Favre, Owner | Fig Hill Consulting (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
WATCH NOW
The webinar was recorded. Learn more about our Diversity initiatives.
Presented Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
National retailers are launching sustainability initiatives that give favorable treatment to brands that market “regenerative practices” or maintain 3rd-party sustainability certifications. In some cases, these initiatives overlook USDA Organic as a federally-enforced certification that fulfills these goals and more! Has your company had trouble getting its organic products recognized as sustainable? Are you looking for data-driven tools to help your sales or marketing teams articulate the environmental, health, social, and economic benefits of organic? Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, and our speakers to learn about the organic opportunity and how we, as a trade association, can collectively educate on the benefits and contributions of organic to sustaining the health of the planet, people, and communities.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Matthew Dillon, OTA Board of Directors member & Chief Sustainability Office | Farmer Focus
- Britt Lundgren, OTA Board of Directors Secretary & Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Organic
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Our speakers worked with an Organic Trade Association (OTA) member task force over the past year to develop a Resource Guide and Data-Driven Communications Toolkit to help your business position USDA Organic as the original climate-smart label – and the gold standard within sustainability initiatives.
- During the webinar you’ll:
- Gain an exclusive first look at the contents of the toolkit;
- Learn how the toolkit can be used by each business to collectively help ensure that USDA Organic is recognized within retailer sustainability programs; and,
- Find out about future training opportunities on the toolkit and how to implement it within your business.
Open to OTA members only
REGISTER
The webinar was recorded. Register today to view the toolkit and webinar as OTA member-exclusive offerings. If you are not sure about your membership status, please reach out to Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Presented on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific (75 minutes)
Teas, herbs, and spices have been prized for their medicinal and
culinary uses for millennia. But when you concentrate botanical ingredients to capture their beneficial attributes, undesirable traces can make their way in. Organic certification practices ensure synthetic ingredients are not used in the making of these products, and in some respects can even enhance their quality. By choosing organic teas, herbs, and spices, you also vote for healthier working conditions and improved livelihoods for farmworkers and their communities. Find out how by joining The Organic Center’s Director of Science Programs, Amber Sciligo, PhD, along with industry spice and tea experts for a live webinar and behind-the-scenes look exploring the fascinating science and trade of your favorite soothing, healing, and flavor-enhancing ingredients.- Presenters:
- Tony Bedard, Chief Executive Officer | Frontier Co-op
- Greg Lightfoot, Vice President of Global Business Development | Kalustyan Corporation
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Raj Vable, Founder | Young Mountain Tea
Learn more about The Organic Center's latest work on spices, teas, and herbs recently published at https://organic-center.org/site/benefits-organic-spices-herbs-and-teas
Open to all
WATCH ON DEMAND
This webinar will be recorded and shared on demand following the live presentation. Register now to receive follow up communications, including links to view the recording, resources shared, and more!
Green
Presented Wednesday, December 14th
In 2022, following the adoption of a sweeping JEDI Commitment, Organic Trade Association made several decisive steps toward cultivating a more diverse and equitable organic industry. As we close out this eventful year, we have the opportunity to reassess the landscape and identify new ways to foster a more inclusive and just organic sector. Our panel will call attention to some of the challenges that disproportionately impact farmers of color. Attendees will hear from the team of academic fellows who led the work to establish OTA’s Diversity Resource Library. We’ll also discuss finance – existing impediments and new opportunities – for diverse and underrepresented organic farmers (and other entrepreneurs).
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Carolina Mueller, Coalitions Manager | National Young Farmers Coalition
- Katrina Pitts, Doctoral Student & Diversity Fellow | Morgan State University & Organic Trade Association
- Robyn O’Brien, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Impact | rePlant Capital
- Seanicaa Edwards Herron, Founder and Executive Director | Freedmen Heirs Foundation
- Tracy Favre, Owner | Fig Hill Consulting (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
WATCH NOW
The webinar was recorded. Learn more about our Diversity initiatives.
Presented December 8, 2021 by The Organic Center
Black farmers have a rich history and promising future in the United States, even though the Black history of agriculture is often reduced
to slavery and cotton plantations. In Farming While Black (2018), Leah Penniman argues that justice for Black people, farmers and otherwise, requires learning about Black histories of agriculture, creating new experiences in the natural world, and getting in touch with our food systems. With a panel of Black scholars, farmers, and activists, in this webinar we explore what justice for Black farmers is today, what it has been in the past, and what it can be in the future.- Esteemed Panelists:
- Maya Allen, PhD student in Botany | The University of New Mexico
- Laquanda Dobson, Chef and Farming Activist
- Ashley Gripper, PhD Candidate in Environmental Epidemiology | Harvard University
- Teona Williams, PhD Candidate in History | Yale University
- Jayson Porter, PhD candidate in History | Northwestern University & Social Justice Intern | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
Green Lemon
Presented Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
National retailers are launching sustainability initiatives that give favorable treatment to brands that market “regenerative practices” or maintain 3rd-party sustainability certifications. In some cases, these initiatives overlook USDA Organic as a federally-enforced certification that fulfills these goals and more! Has your company had trouble getting its organic products recognized as sustainable? Are you looking for data-driven tools to help your sales or marketing teams articulate the environmental, health, social, and economic benefits of organic? Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, and our speakers to learn about the organic opportunity and how we, as a trade association, can collectively educate on the benefits and contributions of organic to sustaining the health of the planet, people, and communities.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Matthew Dillon, OTA Board of Directors member & Chief Sustainability Office | Farmer Focus
- Britt Lundgren, OTA Board of Directors Secretary & Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Organic
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Our speakers worked with an Organic Trade Association (OTA) member task force over the past year to develop a Resource Guide and Data-Driven Communications Toolkit to help your business position USDA Organic as the original climate-smart label – and the gold standard within sustainability initiatives.
- During the webinar you’ll:
- Gain an exclusive first look at the contents of the toolkit;
- Learn how the toolkit can be used by each business to collectively help ensure that USDA Organic is recognized within retailer sustainability programs; and,
- Find out about future training opportunities on the toolkit and how to implement it within your business.
Open to OTA members only
REGISTER
The webinar was recorded. Register today to view the toolkit and webinar as OTA member-exclusive offerings. If you are not sure about your membership status, please reach out to Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Climate Action Planning for Organic Brands with the CAMP Tool
Presented Thursday, April 1, 2021
Beyond following the regulations for organic, there are countless ways organic operations can innovate to advance both their environmental and social missions. OTA has a full suite of tools to assist you, including a module that helps companies fast track climate action, the new Sustainable Food Trade Action Council’s Climate Action Management Primer (CAMP).
This accessible tool helps companies understand their value chain climate hotspots and the key actions to mitigate those impacts. This webinar will review CAMP offerings, including a climate action plan tutorial, hotspot analysis, climate materiality assessment, and clear action priorities. Attendees will also learn about the takeaways and improvements past CAMP participants have experienced after working with the tool. Join us for an introduction and an invitation to discover more.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Lisa Braun, Sustainability Technical Services Manager | Organic Trade Association (Discussion Leader)
- Lia Colabello, Nuun Clean Planet Ambassador | Nuun Hydration
- Justin Overdevest, Senior Associate | Good Company
- Joshua Proudfoot, Principal | Good Company
- Nicole Rakobitsch, Director of Sustainability | Organic Valley
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
This webinar was recorded and is now available on demand
U.S. Climate Policy & Organic Agriculture
Presented Thursday, August 27, 2020
The second in Organic Trade Association’s summer Webinar series on climate change will begin with a scientific grounding in the connections between organic practices and associated increases in soil carbon, and reductions in nitrogen pollution. From there, members of the trade association’s Board of Directors will share news about the Board’s recent work on policy principles to support organic as a key to mitigating climate change. Panelists will discuss legislation introduced in the U.S. House and Senate that prioritizes agricultural solutions, as well as a new report from the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Megan DeBates, Organic Trade Association (discussion leader)
- Avi Garbow, Patagonia Works
- Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield Organic
- Jessica Shade, Ph.D., The Organic Center
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Organic & Climate – Consumer Messaging for Maximum Impact
Presented Thursday, September 17, 2020
Climate change is one of the most difficult challenges facing us today. It is overwhelming to consider, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of good news on progress. Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change – but not all agriculture. Shoppers care about organic’s proven climate benefit. We’ll discuss the most effective way to communicate with shoppers about organic’s ability to mitigate climate change, and hear from an iconic brand about how and why they are taking their climate mission directly to consumers.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Alex Heath, Executive Vice President of Social Purpose | Edelman
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association
- Geoff Showers, Sr. Customer Manager | Clif Bar & Company
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Blue and Orange
2020 Legislative & Regulatory Roundup
Presented Friday, November 13, 2020
2020 has been an eventful year for the organic industry. This is true from an agricultural and market perspective, but also in the realms of regulatory and legislative affairs – where progress is not always a linear process. Join Organic Trade Association’s Government Affairs team for a live webinar that clarifies the processes and entities that govern organic and provides updates on actions taken in 2020 as well as potential developments and trade association priorities for 2021.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Laura Batcha, CEO / Executive Director | Organic Trade Association
- Megan DeBates, Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions | Organic Trade Association
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
U.S. Climate Policy & Organic Agriculture
Presented Thursday, August 27, 2020
The second in Organic Trade Association’s summer Webinar series on climate change will begin with a scientific grounding in the connections between organic practices and associated increases in soil carbon, and reductions in nitrogen pollution. From there, members of the trade association’s Board of Directors will share news about the Board’s recent work on policy principles to support organic as a key to mitigating climate change. Panelists will discuss legislation introduced in the U.S. House and Senate that prioritizes agricultural solutions, as well as a new report from the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Megan DeBates, Organic Trade Association (discussion leader)
- Avi Garbow, Patagonia Works
- Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield Organic
- Jessica Shade, Ph.D., The Organic Center
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Gray
Presented Thursday, November 10 at 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
National retailers are launching sustainability initiatives that give favorable treatment to brands that market “regenerative practices” or maintain 3rd-party sustainability certifications. In some cases, these initiatives overlook USDA Organic as a federally-enforced certification that fulfills these goals and more! Has your company had trouble getting its organic products recognized as sustainable? Are you looking for data-driven tools to help your sales or marketing teams articulate the environmental, health, social, and economic benefits of organic? Join Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, and our speakers to learn about the organic opportunity and how we, as a trade association, can collectively educate on the benefits and contributions of organic to sustaining the health of the planet, people, and communities.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Matthew Dillon, OTA Board of Directors member & Chief Sustainability Office | Farmer Focus
- Britt Lundgren, OTA Board of Directors Secretary & Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield Organic
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Our speakers worked with an Organic Trade Association (OTA) member task force over the past year to develop a Resource Guide and Data-Driven Communications Toolkit to help your business position USDA Organic as the original climate-smart label – and the gold standard within sustainability initiatives.
- During the webinar you’ll:
- Gain an exclusive first look at the contents of the toolkit;
- Learn how the toolkit can be used by each business to collectively help ensure that USDA Organic is recognized within retailer sustainability programs; and,
- Find out about future training opportunities on the toolkit and how to implement it within your business.
Open to OTA members only
REGISTER
The webinar was recorded. Register today to view the toolkit and webinar as OTA member-exclusive offerings. If you are not sure about your membership status, please reach out to Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Benchmarking Trust in Organic
Presented Friday, May 13 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT
Global Communications leader Edelman has published its respected annual Trust Barometer for more than 20 years. The project surveys 30,000+ consumers in 28 countries, tracking trust and credibility of government, businesses, NGOs and media. Everett Eissenstat, Edelman Global Advisory’s North America Chair will share highlights of the firm’s most recent findings on trust. We will also dive into the results of recently completed work on trust specific to the organic sector. What are the drivers and potential risks to trust in the USDA organic? What sources of information are important to these individuals? And, what assumptions and expectations do shoppers have about the meaning of organic?
- Presenters:
- Everett Eisenstatt, North America Chair | Edelman Global Advisory
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
WATCH ON DEMAND
The webinar was recorded. For access to the data pack from this webinar, please contact Danielle Cote (dcote@ota.com).
Introducing: Organic Market Basket
Presented Tuesday, June 22, 2021
The Organic Market Basket – a new data tool from Organic Trade Association (powered by SPINS) provides a quarterly look at a basket of twenty organic food items. The snapshot reports average price and volume changes for the range of items which, taken together, are broadly representative of U.S. organic retail food sales. By tracking a set of typical organic food purchases over time, we can gain a glimpse into what’s happening in the U.S. retail organic food market. As we pass one year since the dramatic market upheaval of the pandemic, join us for a peek into the basket. Our experts will discuss the tool and answer your questions about the data.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Jeff Crumpton, Retail Business Consultant | SPINS
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
This webinar is now available as a recording on demand.
REGISTER NOW
2019 Organic Agriculture Survey Results
Presented Friday, October 23
Wondering what happened with organic at the farm level in the past few years? Join us to hear a presentation of results from the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) 2019 Organic Survey. You’ll hear about changes in acreage, production, and sales data for a variety of organic crop and livestock commodities as well as organic marketing and agricultural practices. NASS released the results from the 2017 Census of Agriculture in April 2019. The results include national and state level organic farm count and value of production data. In early 2020, NASS began data collection for the 2019 Organic Survey, a follow-on special study to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. This will be the sixth comprehensive organic survey NASS has conducted and the first since the 2016 Organic Survey. Join NASS researchers Daphne Schauber and Virginia Harris for a presentation, accompanied by a discussion and Q&A session led by Kellee James, CEO of Mercaris and member of Organic Trade Association’s Board of Directors.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Kellee James, CEO | Mercaris & member of the Organic Trade Association's Board of Directors (Discussion Leader)
- Daphne Schauber, Statistician | USDA's Research, Education, and Economics Resources (REE)'s National Agricultural Statistics Services
- Virginia Harris, Senior Statistician | USDA's Research, Education, and Economics Resources (REE)'s National Agricultural Statistics Services
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Best Practices in Social Marketing
Presented July 24, 2019
Social marketing strategy is an important part of any company's overall marketing mix. Organic Trade Association and Edelman have new findings to share about the best ways to design and implement meaningful social media campaigns for organic products. We'll also spend some time discussing the intricacies of designing social media campaigns for international audiences. You won't want to miss a moment of this helpful presentation.
- Presenters:
- Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager, Organic Trade Association
- Kelly Taveras, Digital Specialist, Organic Trade Association
- Matt Streit, Senior Vice President, Edelman
Open to all
This webinar is not available on demand any longer.
Breakthrough Messaging for Organic Shoppers
Presented February 13, 2020
Through the GRO Organic industry funded initiative, OTA has recently completed a groundbreaking consumer messaging research project. The research, conducted through NMI, yielded a new level of understanding about today’s shoppers and the messaging they need to create or strengthen their commitment to organic. Those findings have been converted into a Consumer Messaging Toolkit available to the full membership community. Join us to hear the topline demographic findings, and learn about the most compelling ways to reach current and potential organic shoppers with your brand’s messaging. OTA members can register for the recording and slides by emailing Libby Mucciarone.
- Presenter:
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights, Organic Trade Association
Available on demand to OTA members only
REGISTER NOW
Presented Friday, January 27
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the results of seven surveys to track certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the United States. The resulting report includes information on acreage, production, and farm gate sales, as well as production and marketing practices. NASS released its latest Organic Production survey on December 15, 2022.
During our webinar, the audience will have a chance to engage in a live Q&A session with members of the research team. We will also receive a demonstration of USDA’s Quick Stats tool, which can help bring order to this very robust set of data. As the 2023 Farm Bill process begins, demonstrating the scope, growth, and value of U.S. organic products is critical to the organic community’s ongoing advocacy efforts. This webinar will be helpful for those curious about the growth of U.S. organic, as well as those who need to communicate the impact of organic with investors, legislators, or members of the public.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics | Mercaris Corporation (Session Moderator)
- Tony Dorn, Chief of Environmental, Economics and Demographics Branch | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (
- Adam Peters, Head of Environmental and Demographics Section | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Andrew Brosier, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Daphne Schauber, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
- Ginger Harris, Statistician | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Open to all
WATCH NOW
View the QuickStats demo
This webinar was recorded live on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Green
Presented on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific (75 minutes)
Teas, herbs, and spices have been prized for their medicinal andculinary uses for millennia. But when you concentrate botanical ingredients to capture their beneficial attributes, undesirable traces can make their way in. Organic certification practices ensure synthetic ingredients are not used in the making of these products, and in some respects can even enhance their quality. By choosing organic teas, herbs, and spices, you also vote for healthier working conditions and improved livelihoods for farmworkers and their communities. Find out how by joining The Organic Center’s Director of Science Programs, Amber Sciligo, PhD, along with industry spice and tea experts for a live webinar and behind-the-scenes look exploring the fascinating science and trade of your favorite soothing, healing, and flavor-enhancing ingredients.- Presenters:
- Tony Bedard, Chief Executive Officer | Frontier Co-op
- Greg Lightfoot, Vice President of Global Business Development | Kalustyan Corporation
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Raj Vable, Founder | Young Mountain Tea
Learn more about The Organic Center's latest work on spices, teas, and herbs recently published at https://organic-center.org/site/benefits-organic-spices-herbs-and-teas
Open to all
WATCH ON DEMAND
This webinar will be recorded and shared on demand following the live presentation. Register now to receive follow up communications, including links to view the recording, resources shared, and more!
Tools Organic Farmers Need to Meet Food Safety Requirements: Learnings from a National Needs Assessment
Presented Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT (90 minutes)
The Organic Center has partnered with The University of Rhode Island (URI) to identify the best opportunities for developing cost-effective and organic-compliant tools to help organic farmers navigate food safety risks and third-party certification. Dr. Patrick Baur from URI will present results from a national needs assessment that included farmer-focused listening sessions and a national survey. Specifically, these results will touch on which producers are most impacted on a national level and which food safety requirements are most difficult to synchronize with NOP standards. This needs assessment will also help prioritizing which research and knowledge gaps can best address these specific conflicts. Join Dr. Amber Sciligo of The Organic Center & Dr. Baur as they discuss the research findings and next steps for this pivotal work. This webinar will include a Q&A session following the presentation.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Patrick Baur, PhD, Assistant Professor | University of Rhode Island
Open to all
WATCH NOW
Virtual Field Day: Integrating Livestock in Organic Crops and Its Impacts on Food Safety and Soil Health
Presented Wednesday, July 20th
Researchers from Maryland, Minnesota, and California present their findings on the impacts of cover-crop grazing on food safety and soil health for freshspinach and cucumbers in organic systems. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of how grazing of cover crops in fresh vegetable production systems can be implemented in 3 different climates (humid coastal, humid continental, and semi-arid). This work has been completed through funds from a USDA -ARS grant* in collaboration with The Organic Center, University of California, University of Minnesota, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and USDA-ARS.*Funding for this project was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant # 19-1046-001-SF. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
- Esteemed Speakers
- Sejin Cheong, PhD student Epidemiology | UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Emily E. Evans, Researcher 3 | University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
- Amélie Gaudin, PhD, Associate Professor of Agroecology | UC Davis, Department of Plant Sciences
- Alda Pires, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, Associate Specialist in Cooperative Extension | UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Sequoia Williams, PhD student Soils and Biogeochemistry | UC Davis, Gaudin Lab
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (facilitator)
WATCH NOW
Presented December 8, 2021 by The Organic Center
Black farmers have a rich history and promising future in the United States, even though the Black history of agriculture is often reducedto slavery and cotton plantations. In Farming While Black (2018), Leah Penniman argues that justice for Black people, farmers and otherwise, requires learning about Black histories of agriculture, creating new experiences in the natural world, and getting in touch with our food systems. With a panel of Black scholars, farmers, and activists, in this webinar we explore what justice for Black farmers is today, what it has been in the past, and what it can be in the future.- Esteemed Panelists:
- Maya Allen, PhD student in Botany | The University of New Mexico
- Laquanda Dobson, Chef and Farming Activist
- Ashley Gripper, PhD Candidate in Environmental Epidemiology | Harvard University
- Teona Williams, PhD Candidate in History | Yale University
- Jayson Porter, PhD candidate in History | Northwestern University & Social Justice Intern | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
How Farming Systems Impact Bionutrients
Presented November 17, 2021
How plants are grown can have an immense effect on nutritional content. A healthy, high functioning soil will produce crops that are flavorful, aromatic, and nutritious. Studies have reflected this by showing that organic production can result in higher antioxidant levels. However, nutrition is still not well understood, and the actual nutrient levels in of crops can vary dramatically with farmer, season, and seed. This webinar will discuss what we know – and don’t know – when it comes to crop nutrition and highlight new technology and campaigns to better understand how to maximize the nutrition of our food. Watch our recording on demand now by registering below. - Esteemed Panelists:
- Dan Kittredge, Executive Director | Bionutrient Food Association
- Sara Newmark, Chief Operating Officer | True Grace Health
- Tina Owens, Senior Director, Food & Agriculture Impact | Danone North America
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Andrew Smith, PhD, Chief Operating Officer | Rodale Institute
WATCH
The Organic Center has recorded more than 15 educational products in the last few years, available online to anyone interested in learning more. Find our full library of webinars and virtual events online at their website at the link below.
Blue and Green
2020 Legislative & Regulatory Roundup
Presented Friday, November 13, 2020
2020 has been an eventful year for the organic industry. This is true from an agricultural and market perspective, but also in the realms of regulatory and legislative affairs – where progress is not always a linear process. Join Organic Trade Association’s Government Affairs team for a live webinar that clarifies the processes and entities that govern organic and provides updates on actions taken in 2020 as well as potential developments and trade association priorities for 2021.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Laura Batcha, CEO / Executive Director | Organic Trade Association
- Megan DeBates, Director of Legislative Affairs and Coalitions | Organic Trade Association
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
The Benefits of Technical Assistance for the Organic Industry
Presented Friday, March 19, 2021
One of the main barriers for farmers transitioning to and staying in organic production is a lack of organic-specific farmer-focused technical assistance, putting technical assistance at the nexus of the organic industry’s biggest opportunities. Investments in technical assistance are important for all organic stakeholders who want to grow domestic organic acreage and maximize the benefits of organic for people and the planet. At this webinar, hear from Mallory Krieger of Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) and Ben Bowell of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Oregon Tilth (OTCO), who are at the forefront of the mission to expand access to technical assistance for organic and transitioning farmers across production systems, scales, and geographic regions.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Mallory Krieger, National Program Director | Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS)
- Benjamin Bowell, Organic Education Specialist | Oregon Tilth, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service & OATS Steering Committee
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director | Organic Trade Association & OATS Steering Committee (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
REGISTER NOW
This Webinar was recorded on March 19, 2021.
GOTS Version 6.0 and the U.S. Market
Presented Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Join the Organic Trade Association for a discussion on the recent release of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 6.0. In this 90-minute webinar, we’ll discuss an overview of organic labeling of fiber and textiles in the U.S., review the current market of GOTS in the United States, and provide an overview of GOTS including an update on the changes to the new version. Our panel of experts will help your organization prepare for the implementation of changes and answer your questions. This webinar is now available on demand.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Organic Trade Association
- Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director, Global Organic Textile Standard
- Lori Wyman, North American Representative, Global Organic Textile Standard
Open to all
REGISTER NOW
Organic 101 for the Produce Community
Presented March 18, 2020
New to the organic industry? Join us to learn the basics of what the organic label does (and doesn't) mean for the produce sector, how it is enforced, and why it is the gold standard for food around the world. This session will examine the full supply chain – from farming, to post-harvest handling and transportation to retail receiving and merchandising for produce. We will discuss organic regulations, as well as best practices that have been proven most successful with retailers and shoppers.
- Presenters:
- Brian Dey, Sr. Merchandiser & Natural Stores Coordinator, Four Seasons Produce
- Mike Dill, Food Safety & Compliance Manager, Organically Grown Company
- Logan Petrey, Grower, Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic
- Johanna Mirenda, Farm Policy Director, Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registration: $149
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Retail Intel: Best Labeling Practices for Organic Non-Food Products
Presented August 29, 2019
Shoppers trust retailers to offer high quality products with strong organic integrity. Labeling requirements are very different when it comes to non-food organic products such as fiber, personal care and household cleaners. Don’t get lost in the gray area! Gwendolyn Wyard and Angela Jagiello will help break down the labeling landscape and help you to know what to look for to assure you are providing a full complement of trusted of organic products throughout your shop. This webinar is now available on demand.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education and Insights | Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Red
Organic & Climate – Breakthrough Progress in the EU
Presented Thursday, July 30, 2020 (75 minutes)
As part of its effort to become climate neutral by 2050, the EU's Green Deal calls for 25% of Europe's agriculture to be transitioned to organic (nearly triple the current area) by 2030. Join us to learn more about this bold effort to create a fair, healthy and environmentally beneficial food system. We'll discuss how leaders in the organic movement were able to successfully advocate for organic's inclusion in this sweeping program. And we’ll hear from organic industry participants in the farming and processing/trade sector about priorities for specific action plans to implement and achieve the sustainability targets set out in the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies.
- Esteemed Participants:
- Alexander Beck, Association of Organic Food Manufacturers eV (AöL)
- Ariane Lotti, Tenuta San Carlo Organic Farm
- Silvia Schmidt, IFOAM Organic Europe
- Johanna Mirenda, Organic Trade Association (Discussion Leader)
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
Exploring Trends and Opportunities for Organic Products Around the World
Presented June 25, 2020
Continued shifts in consumer health preferences and sustainability-minded consumers are further driving organic product sales around the world. This webinar will provide an overview of newly updated global organic data, highlighting observations and trends to compare important markets and opportunities for US producers and exporters. If you are currently exporting your products around the world or looking to learn more about export opportunities, this webinar will provide meaningful insights and detail further resources to help grow your international market.
- Presenters:
- Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager, Organic Trade Association (Moderator)
- Patti LaGuire, Senior Account Manager, Euromonitor International
Open to all
REGISTER NOW
What's New with the Canadian Organic Standards?
Presented Thursday, March 11, 2021
Canada – the US’s largest organic trade partner – recently finalized a significant organic regulatory refresh. Existing Canadian producers, and those who export to Canada, now have a one-year grace period in which to achieve compliance with the changes. Join us for an update on the state of organic trade between Canada and the United States, a look back at the process behind the advancement of the standards, and a high level overview of the key changes. Our presenters will share in-depth materials that illustrate the new requirements, and will allow for generous time for questions.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Robert Anderson, Principal | Sustainable Strategies (Discussion Leader)
- Roxanne Beavers, Senior Reviewer and Inspector | Quality Assurance International
- Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager | Organic Trade Association
- Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director | Canada Organic Trade Association
Complimentary to OTA & COTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
REGISTER NOW
This webinar was presented on March 11, 2021 and is now available on demand.
Thursday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern / 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Last summer, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) hosted a listening session and conducted a member survey to identify the challenges our members were experiencing due to trade disruptions following the revocation of India’s organic recognition agreement. In response, your trade association sent a letter to the USDA, outlining our strong support for organic integrity, detailing the issues you highlighted, and identifying key next steps for the administration to best support the industry. In response to our letter, USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator Jenny Tucker has agreed to meet with our members exclusively for a briefing. Join OTA’s CEO Tom Chapman and hear an update on the enforcement activities and accreditations in process in India, NOP’s goals for future visits to India, and where and how the industry can stay apprised of new actions the USDA takes to protect organic integrity.
This session should be of interest to any member who has supply chains coming from India, members looking to understand additional compliance requirements for Indian exporters, and anyone interested in learning how the USDA is working to protect organic integrity in the international marketplace. As you register to attend this OTA member-exclusive briefing, please provide us with your critical questions for USDA. We will share your questions anonymously with the NOP for a moderated Q&A with the Deputy Administrator at the conclusion of the briefing.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Jennifer Tucker, PhD, Deputy Administrator | USDA Agriculture Marketing Service's National Organic Program (NOP)
- Tom Chapman, CEO | Organic Trade Association (Host & Q&A Facilitator)
Exclusive for OTA members only
On-Demand
This briefing was recorded.
If you're a member of the Organic Trade Association and have any questions about how to view our webinars please email Libby Mucciarone. If you are not a member, please email Danielle Cote for more information about membership and how to pay to watch those webinars available to non-members.