MONTEREY, CA - At the lightning-fast pace that 2023 is moving, November and the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) presented by Western Growers and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) will be here before we know it. In anticipation of the event, one of the education sessions has been announced, and it will focus on the National Organic Program’s (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule.

“In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the changing organic production landscape, as well as the role of ag technology,” said Matt Seeley, Chief Executive Officer of Organic Produce Network. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant and timely information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production.”

NOP’s SOE rule will be implemented on March 19, 2024, and with it will come new challenges for producers, distributors, and importers, a release explained. The OGS education session, “The SOE Deadline Looms—Are You Ready?” will focus on navigating and adhering to these new requirements for organic producers and handlers.

The session will be moderated by John Foster, Chief Operating Officer at Wolf & Associates and a former member of the National Organic Standards Board. Panelists for the session include Dr. Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator at National Organic Program; April Vasquez, Chief Certification Officer for CCOF; Meredith Kiser, Compliance Director at Heath & Lejeune; Theojary Crisantes, Chief Operating Officer at Wholesum Family Farms; and Bianca Kaprielian, CEO and Co-Owner of Fruit World.

“When OGS 2023 commences, there will be just 111 days left for the NOP’s deadline for its full steam-ahead Strengthening Organic Enforcement compliance. As the clock ticks, growers, distributors, importers, and handlers on the organic produce supply chain are challenged by this most rigorous change to USDA’s organic standards in 20 years,” said Foster. “This panel goes straight to the top for answers with the USDA’s NOP Deputy Administrator, Dr. Jenny Tucker, reporting key updates imperative to the organic produce industry. If you are feeling a sense of urgency regarding SOE mandates, this panel is a priceless resource of currency and expertise on these new regulations.”

OGS 2023 will take place November 29–30 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California.

To register, click here.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more event updates.

Organic Grower Summit