Organic Produce Network and Western Growers Announce Educational Session for Organic Grower Summit 2022; Matt Seeley and John Foster Comment
MONTEREY, CA - Recently, the Organic Produce Network (OPN) announced the subject of the first education session to take place at the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2022. Hosted in partnership with Western Growers, the session—titled "Get Ahead of the Curve and Avoid Regulatory Speedbumps"—will discuss new compliance requirements for organic producers as the National Organic Program’s (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) initiative comes closer to being finalized.
"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, Co-Founder 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."
The session will be moderated by John Foster, Wolf & Associates’ Senior Associate, and panelists include Emily Musgrave, Driscoll’s Organic Program Manager; Connie Karr, Oregon Tilth’s Certification Director; and Tom Chapman, Organic Trade Association’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.
OGS 2022, according to a press release, will provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food. With only five trade show booths available, exhibitors include soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, and more connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
"SOE is the most significant organic regulatory change since regulations were implemented 20 years ago," said Foster. "Mandatory changes are coming for the certification of brokers and traders for every imported organic product and for qualifications of inspectors and certification staff. This panel of industry leaders will provide operational and administrative details, showing attendees how to steer clear of bureaucratic potholes and ensure there are no disruptions to the supply chain."
OGS 2022 will be held November 30–December 1 in Monterey, California. For more details, click here.
Stay tuned for more OGS coverage in the lead-up to this exciting event.
