OTA.COM 11 Coordinator, and Accounting Manager. OTA’s Martz had no previous experience in the work of diversity, equity, or inclusion prior to joining this council. “I intentionally engage now, where I would not have thought to do so before,” she says after recounting her experiences while participating in the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge with the Diversity Council. The challenge was facilitated by Food Solutions New England, with the goal of helping participants commit to deepening their understanding of, and willingness to confront, issues of race and equity. Many council members participated and used the challenge to examine food justice from their own organic sector lens. Since its establishment, the council has guided some noteworthy work, which can be reviewed in the 2021 Annual Report. But our most exciting work is yet to come. 2022 has ushered in some very tangible opportunities for the Diversity Council to learn and grow. The outpouring of support from the OTA membership has allowed us to provide sponsorship for conferences specifically geared toward empowering BlPOC farmers and ranchers. We are preparing to conduct our Annual JEDI Survey, which keeps us informed on how we can best support our members’ JEDI efforts and build more coalitions. We are designing for more professional development opportunities for OTA’s staff, so that they fully represent the importance of this work on behalf of the membership. There will be many impactful things coming from this council, so please consider this your invitation to join us! Stephanie Jerger is the Vice President of Administration for Organic Trade Association. Memories CREATE MOUTHWATERING That moment when a new-to-you food becomes a new favorite food. The second when a craving becomes fully satisfied. These are the kinds of moments that motivate us. At Fuchs North America, our mission is to bring the joy of food to life for consumers around the world. See how Fuchs can partner with your brand to make something special: fuchsna.com Thanks to our JEDI program sponsors! XClif Bar & Company XGeneral Mills/ Small Planet XHandsome Brook Farm, LLC XNew Hope Network XOrganic Valley XPete and Gerry’s Organics, LLC XPipeline Foods XStonyfield Farm, Inc.
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