5 OTA.COM HAPPY FALL! While the days are growing shorter and many are turning toward cozy spices and teas (more on that in a bit), we still have plenty of work to do for organic in the last few months of 2022. This edition of The Organic Report begins with deeply inspiring stories about new members of the trade association, Waju Water (cover) and Green Heffa Farms (page 16). Both came to OTA through the thoughtful outreach and efforts of our Diversity and Entrepreneurship program. The program attempts to answer two questions simultaneously— how to grow organic, and how to address historic underrepresentation in our industry—by actively listening to BIPOC organic entrepreneurs and tailoring products and services to meet their needs. Did you know that organic is the original climate-smart agriculture? Many do not, despite the fact that the system is based on building soil health and working in harmony with natural systems. Just in time for trade show season and holiday gatherings, you can brush up on your organic = climate-smart talking points with Dr. Sciligo’s thoroughly researched article on page 30. It’s almost farm bill time, and in preparation for that, Megan DeBates is in with three pieces of interest. The first walks us through possible mid-term election outcomes and implications for organic. The second introduces us to Congressman GT Thompson from Pennsylvania (fourth largest state for organic), who is likely to be a big player in the upcoming negotiations. Finally, Megan lays out a full slate of organic priorities for the upcoming bill (page 44). After years of supply chain pressure and tight labor markets, prices are on the rise, including for organic. The Market Basket (page 6) offers a glimpse of what we’re seeing to date, and OTA’s CEO, Tom Chapman, shares his vision for how to keep the label relevant to shoppers, even when consumer spending power is diminished (page 50). OTA has two spectacular new board members, and if you haven’t had a chance to meet Johanna Phillips and Daniella Velazquez de Leon, please go directly to page 8 to learn more. These leaders are dynamic, motivated, and deeply dedicated to organic. It’s so exciting to have them in our corner! Finally, it’s time to brew a mug of your favorite organic tea and dig in with the latest from The Organic Center—a sneak peek at forthcoming research outlining the many benefits of organic spices and teas (page 32). Here’s to a bountiful harvest season for organic. Angela Jagiello Publisher Angela Jagiello Action Meets Aspiration Front Piece OTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS president Paul Schiefer • Amy’s Kitchen secretary Britt Lundgren • Stonyfield Farm treasurer Domenic Borrelli • Danone North America Doug Crabtree • Vilicus Farms Kim Dietz • Firmenich Inc. Matthew Dillon • Farmer Focus Tracy Favre • Fig Hill Farm Consulting Ann Marie Hourigan • Whole Foods Market Kellee James • Mercaris Bob Kaake • Slice of Kaake Consulting David Lively • Organically Grown Company Michael Menes • True Organic Products Johanna Phillips • Ecocert Daniella Velazquez de Leon • Organics Unlimited Adam Warthesen • CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley contributors: Alexis Carey, Tom Chapman, Adrienne Messe, Danielle Coté, Megan DeBates, Reana Kovalcik, Katrina Hunter, Stephanie Jerger, Amber Sciligo, and Rebekah Weber. publisher: Angela Jagiello copyeditor: Jonea Gurwitt design: LLM Publications Copyright © 2022, Organic Trade Association Printed on paper from sustainably managed forests with inks that are 30 percent renewable. The Organic Report is published by Organic Trade Association as a service to its members and the organic community. Re-publication of short excerpts is permitted without fee. Contact OTA staff to arrange for the use of longer material. The material contained in this magazine is for the information of the organic community. Although the information is believed to be correct, OTA disclaims all responsibility for any damage or reliance on the information contained in this publication, nor is the appearance of advertisements a warranty, endorsement or approval of the products or services advertised. Organic Trade Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information, should contact us at info@ ota.com. ORGANIC TRADE ASSOCIATION headquarters: Hall of The States, 444 N. Capitol St., NW Ste 445A, Washington, DC 20001 phone: 202-403-8520 locations Brattleboro, VT • Santa Cruz, CA • Corvallis, OR web: www.ota.com • email: info@ota.com TheOrganicReport.com
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