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 your organization is not a member or you are unsure about your organization's membership status, please email Danielle Cote.
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 Orange
Benchmarking Trust in Organic
Benchmarking Trust in Organic
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
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The webinar will be recorded. Register today to gain access to the recording when first made available on demand.
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.
Green and Orange
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.
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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
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Alternate Finance Models for Organic Businesses
Presented Thursday, October 8
Among the areas where organic businesses are innovating is how they finance their operations and growth. From employee and family ownership, to novel legal structures, and working with socially-minded investors, organic companies are rethinking standard models to the benefit of their operations and their larger communities. Join us for insight and inspiration from business leaders and investors who have brought new thinking to the old challenge of how to best structure and capitalize organic organizations.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Sara Eckhouse, Executive Director | Foodshot
- Matt McLean, Founder | Uncle Matt's Organic
- Natalie Reitman-White, Mission Advocacy | Organically Grown Company & Alternative Ownership Advisors
- Robyn O'Brien, Co-Founder | rePlant Capital (Discussion Leader)
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
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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
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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
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Organic Newsbreaker Panel
Presented Wednesday, January 27, 2021
2020 was a year of unprecedented turmoil. It featured a global pandemic, resultant spikes in unemployment, climate related natural disasters, and widespread outcry for racial justice, and was capped off by a historic and bitterly contested election. As it pertained to organic, shopping patterns were upended, workforces were stretched, legislative and regulatory progress were halted, and organic products experienced unprecedented sales. What will the coming year hold for organic, and for the overall agricultural landscape? Join Organic Trade Association for a conversation with leading reporters on the issues and stories they will be tracking in 2021.
Esteemed Panelists:
Laura Batcha, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director | Organic Trade Association
Spencer Chase, Managing Editor | Agri-Pulse
Elizabeth Crawford, Deputy Editor | FoodNavigator-USA
Gregg Hillyer, Editor In Chief | Progressive Farmer
Naomi Starkman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | Civil Eats
Complimentary to OTA members
Not-yet member registrations: $149
This webinar is now available as a recording on demand.
Board of Directors Election Preview: Meet the Candidates
Presented April 5, 2022
Organic Trade Association’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members – representing more than 9,500 organic businesses throughout all portions of the supply chain. Board elections are a unique opportunity for our members to decide – one vote per member organization – the future leaders of the organization. Download a recording of this interactive Webinar to learn more about the process, and meet the candidates vying for the five open seats.
- Co-Hosts:
- Kellee James, Founder and CEO | Mercaris Corporation
- Tracy Favre, Owner, Fig Hill Farm Consulting
Available to OTA members only
WATCH RECORDING
Green Lemon
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
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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
2020 Legislative & Regulatory Roundup
Presented Friday, November 13
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
Green Lemon
2020 Legislative & Regulatory Roundup
Presented Friday, November 13
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
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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
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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
Blue and Green
Black Farmer Justice: Past, Present, and Future
Presented December 8, 2021
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)
Open for all
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This Webinar was recorded and now shared on demand. Register to watch the recording on demand.
2020 Organic Science Roundup with The Organic Center
Presented Thursday, December 10
Come learn about the hottest science in the field of organic food and farming from 2020. This webinar brings together leading scientists to talk about where we’ve been and how far we’ve come
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Asa Bradman, PhD, Professor, Associate Director and Co-founder | University of California, Merced & CERCH
- Nathalie Jas, PhD, STS scholar and Senior Researcher in Sociology of Risk | French Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA).
- Jayson Porter, PhD Candidate in Mexican Environmental History, Department of History, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Northwestern University
- John P. Reganold, PhD, Regents Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology | Washington State University
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
- Houston Wilson, PhD, Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist & Director| University of California, Riverside & Organic Agriculture Institute
Open to all
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The Benefits of Organic Dairy
Presented July 17, 2019
Learn about a new study published in Public Health Nutrition, by Emory University, in collaboration with The Organic Center,
- Presenter:
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
Open to all
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Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms - Environmental and Economic Benefits of Organic Practices
Presented July 1, 2020
A growing body of science shows that organic farming supports more biodiversity and can bring in more income than conventional farming, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of using organic practices.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- David W. Crowder, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Entomology, Washington State University
- Olivia M. Smith, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher in Entomology, University of Georgia
Open to all
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The Biodiversity Calculator - A Simple Tool for Tracking & Managing Biodiversity for NOP Compliance
Presented September 25, 2019
Biodiversity is critical for healthy, functioning organic farms, and is central to the NOP Guidance on Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation.
- Presenters:
- Jessica Shade, PhD., Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- John Quinn, PhD., Associate Professor of Biology, Furman University
Open to all
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Building Soil Heath for Organic Systems
Presented on April 17, 2020
Healthy soils are essential for resilient crop production and supporting our ecosystem. Unfortunately, soils in the United States are being degraded by unsustainable agricultural practices.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- Kate Tully, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Agroecology, University of Maryland
Open to all
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Citrus Greening Disease - the Quest for an Organic Management Solution
Presented May 9, 2019
Citrus Greening is a devastating disease affecting citrus around the world – though Florida citrus has been particularly hard hit.
- Presenters:
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Science Program Manager, The Organic Center
- Ellen Cochrane, PhD, University of Florida
Open to all on demand
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Developing Public-Private Partnerships to Address Organic Research Needs
Presented Thursday, November 5
Last year, The Organic Center partnered with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to hold a convening examining research areas that would have the most impact on
You can download the full outcomes from the convening HERE, and we are soliciting comments on the outcome document HERE.
Click here to learn more about the project.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- LaKisha Odom, PhD, Scientific Program Director | Foundation
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Asst. Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Brise Tencer, Executive Director | Organic Farming Research Foundation (Q&A participant)
Open to all
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The Environmental Benefits of Organic Cotton
Presented Wednesday, February 17
Join The Organic Center and Iowa State’s Kathleen Delate, PhD, for a discussion of the scientifically backed, full system ecological benefits of organic cotton – from farm to fashion. We’ll also hear from the Organic Trade Association’s Fiber Council on the group’s work to advance organic cotton and other textiles. There is no charge to watch this on-demand webinar.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Kathleen Delate, PhD, Professor and Extension Organic Specialist, Departments of Horticulture and Agronomy | Iowa State University
- Angela Wartes-Kahl, Organic Inspector & Consultant & Vice Chair of the Organic Trade Association's Fiber Council | Independent Organic Services, Inc.
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
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Managing Soil Amendments for Food Safety and Soil Health
Presented Thursday, July 15, 2021
Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.
As the first presentation in a two-part series, this session will introduce how the use of BSAAO improves soil health. Research on pathogen survival in BSAAO-amended soils will be presented, as well as how growers can minimize the risks of using untreated soil amendments through proper application, storage, handling, and recordkeeping practices. Other common practices will be introduced, including rotational grazing.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
- Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
- Alda Pires, Ph.D., Asst. Research Scientist & Asst. Specialist in Cooperative Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine | University of California, Davis
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
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Maximizing Carbon Sequestration in Organic Systems
Presented Friday, April 16, 2021
Organic has the advantage when it comes to mitigating climate change and building
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Robert Crystal-Ornelas, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar in the Energy Geosciences Division | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Amber Sciligo, PhD, Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Facilitator)
Open to all
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This Webinar was recorded and now shared on demand.
Organic's Impact on Human Health
Presented March 20, 2019
The more we learn about the adverse effects of toxic and persistent agricultural inputs on eaters, farmworkers and their families,
- Presenters:
- Jessica Shade, PhD, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center
- Asa Bradman, PhD, Associate Director of Exposure Assessment, University of California - Berkeley
- Kendra Klein, PhD, Senior Staff Scientist, Friends of the Earth
Available on demand to all
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Science-Based Composting Practices
Presented Friday, July 23, 2021
Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.
The second presentation in the series will highlight science-based composting practices that growers can use to minimize microbial food safety risks while reaping the soil health and production benefits from the use of BSAAO. A discussion will follow about the treatment status and documentation requirements for other common BSAAO such as vermicompost, fish emulsion, and pelletized poultry litter.
- Esteemed Panelists:
- Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
- Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
- Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)
Open to all
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This Webinar was recorded and is now shared on demand.
Small Changes, Big Outcomes: The Impact of Organic Dairy on Reducing Synthetic Chemical Use
Wednesday, August 25 - 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific

- Esteemed Presenters:
- Megan DeBates, Vice President of Government Affairs | Organic Trade Association
- Jessica Shade, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center
- Judi Shils, Founder and Executive Director | Turning Green & Conscious Kitchen
- Brand ambassadors from Organic Valley & Stonyfield Organic
Open to all
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This webinar will be recorded. Register to learn when the on-demand recording is available.
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
Open to all
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Gray
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
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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
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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
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This webinar was presented on March 11, 2021 and is now available on demand.
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.