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.
Blue and Green
OTA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement Education Series: Organic Integrity Database with USDA National Organic Program
Thursday, June 8 at 4 pm Eastern / 1 pm Pacific
What can you do with the Organic Integrity Database (OID)? So much more than you may know! Join the Organic Trade Association for a webinar exploring the OID. USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator Jennifer Tucker will explain the ins and outs of the OID as a tool for organic market integrity and development. Topics covered will include:
- What is the Organic Integrity Database and how do I use it
- Using the Database to mitigate and prevent fraud
- How to find key data points, including acreage and sourcing information through the OID
- Best practices on how to source suppliers and to document compliance through the Database
- How the Database is being used in the implementation of the new strengthening of enforcement rulemaking
We’ll also learn more about how to use this tool for supplier discovery, organic verification, its role in the implementation of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking, and much more. Learn more about SOE and how we're helping members prepare.
Esteemed Panelists:
Jennifer Tucker, PhD, USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Deputy Administrator
OTA members only
REGISTER
This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants within 1 business day.
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, February 22
Want to learn more about the flavors, ingredients and regional influences shaping the organic food market? As we're heading into the trade show and product launch season, join the Organic Trade Association and NielsenIQ for a data-rich walkthrough of flavor trends in the growing organic sector. The data presentation will be followed by analysis from a panel of industry experts. 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.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Brian Dey, Senior Merchandiser and Natural Stores Coordinator | Four Seasons Produce
- Sherry Frey, VP of Total Wellness | NielsenIQ
- Erin Harper, Global Director of Dairy | Whole Foods Market
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association (moderator)
- Meg Major, Director of Industry Relations | NielsenIQ
- Don Trouba, Director of Go-To-Market | Ciranda, Inc.
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
REGISTER
This webinar was recorded and shared with all approved registrants following the presentation. Registration approvals take up to two business days. If you have questions about your approval status or would like to pay to watch as a non-member, please contact Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
Presented on Friday, February 3
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.
Exclusive to OTA members
Download OTA's findings and view the on-demand recording
This briefing was recorded and made available exclusively for OTA members. When you sign up at the link above, you will receive an instant email providing access to a secure members-only page on Strengthening Organic Enforcement, including a link to download our complete report. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find our recorded briefing. If you do not receive the email providing access and believe you reached it in error, please contact Violet Batcha. If you are not certain about your organization's membership status, please contact Danielle Cote.
Presented Thursday, February 8 at 4 pm ET / 1 pm ET (30 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.
Learn more about our Farm Bill platform
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Tom Chapman, CEO | Organic Trade Association
- Matthew Dillon, Owner | Risk to Resilience Strategy
- Britt Lundgren, Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs | Stonyfield
- Adam Warthesen, Director of Government and Industry Affairs | Organic Valley
- Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
Open to all
WATCH
The briefing was recorded.
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.
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.
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
Friday, April 21, 2023 - 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
Whether you’re an expert lobbyist or new to lobbying on the Hill, join OTA’s Government Affairs team as we walk you through what to expect and how to prepare for a successful Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Our staff - Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Laura Holm, Government Affairs Associate – will walk you through what to expect for the #OrganicWeekDC Advocacy Day experience, including how you’ll travel to your meetings, how to interact with the Members of Congress and their staff, where to grab lunch or coffee nearby, what to wear, and best practices to prepare with and find your team and Team Leader.
Join us to learn how to best position your business's story and what moves the needle on the Hill. Lincoln Clapper from Advocacy Associates will also join us to show you how use the App, where and when to find your Hill materials, how to access your schedule, and how to find support throughout your time on the Hill. This can’t-miss session is for anyone lobbying the Hill on Thursday, May 11th and will be recorded for those who are unable to view live. We highly encourage all Advocacy Day participants to attend.
- Presenters:
- Lincoln Clapper, Chief Sales Officer | Advocacy Associates
- Laura Holm, Government Affairs Associate | Organic Trade Association
- Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Grace Bellone, Sr. Legislative Assistant, Representative John Curtis R-UT | U.S. House of Representatives
Open to all OTA Advocacy Day registrants
For more information about the briefing, please reach out to Libby Mucciarone and Laura Holm if you are registered for Advocacy Day. This session will be recorded for all participants.
Presented Monday, May 1, 2023 - 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific
You’ve learned our Advocacy Day 101 and how to use the App, and you are excited to be advocating in DC. In the days leading up to #OrganicWeekDC 2023, join Peter Mihalick, OTA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, as he details the OTA asks and how to relate those to your business’ story. During this session, we’ll have our Hill materials for you to review and ask questions about. All Advocacy Day participants are expected to attend this session. If you are unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and shared to all participants.
- Presenters:
- Peter Mihalick, Senior Director of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Laura Holm, Legislative and Farm Policy Associate | Organic Trade Association
Open to all OTA Advocacy Day registrants
For more information about the briefing, please reach out to Libby Mucciarone and Laura Holm if you are registered for Advocacy Day. This briefing was recorded and available at our Hill Visits Resource Page.
Gray
Presented Wednesday, February 22
Want to learn more about the flavors, ingredients and regional influences shaping the organic food market? As we're heading into the trade show and product launch season, join the Organic Trade Association and NielsenIQ for a data-rich walkthrough of flavor trends in the growing organic sector. The data presentation will be followed by analysis from a panel of industry experts. 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.
- Esteemed Speakers:
- Brian Dey, Senior Merchandiser and Natural Stores Coordinator | Four Seasons Produce
- Sherry Frey, VP of Total Wellness | NielsenIQ
- Erin Harper, Global Director of Dairy | Whole Foods Market
- Angela Jagiello, Director of Education & Insights | Organic Trade Association (moderator)
- Meg Major, Director of Industry Relations | NielsenIQ
- Don Trouba, Director of Go-To-Market | Ciranda, Inc.
Complimentary for OTA members
$149 for non-members
REGISTER
This webinar was recorded and shared with all approved registrants following the presentation. Registration approvals take up to two business days. If you have questions about your approval status or would like to pay to watch as a non-member, please contact Danielle Cote, Membership Manager.
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.
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).
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
Presented on Friday, February 3
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.
Exclusive to OTA members
Download OTA's findings and view the on-demand recording
This briefing was recorded and made available exclusively for OTA members. When you sign up at the link above, you will receive an instant email providing access to a secure members-only page on Strengthening Organic Enforcement, including a link to download our complete report. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find our recorded briefing. If you do not receive the email providing access and believe you reached it in error, please contact Violet Batcha. If you are not certain about your organization's membership status, please contact Danielle Cote.
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
Red
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.
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
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.