With Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture leading to a growing domestic market and creating outstanding import opportunities for US growers, a just-announced educational session at the 2021 Organic Grower Summit (OGS) Presented by Western Growers and OPN will explore the relationship between the two countries and how they can support each others' future organic growth.

Moderator Maria Barajas and panelists Joshua Tamayo, Daniela Robles, and Ed Morales

“Growing and Selling in the Mexican Organic Market” will explore the key differences between the two countries’ organic markets, from the various laws, rules, and regulations to production and supply chain challenges and what future opportunities exist for growers on each side of the border. Moderated by Maria Barajas of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Certification Services, panelists include leaders from organizations directly involved in the growing and production of organic produce in both Mexico and the US—Joshua Tamayo, food safety and QA manager for Taylor Farms; Daniela Robles, agricultural engineer, Viñedos Alta/Grupo Alta; and Ed Morales, food safety and organic certification director, JV Smith Companies/Promotora Agricola El Toro.

“The unique agricultural relationship between the US and Mexico continues to evolve and adapt with strong organic expertise on both sides of the border,” said Kelly Damewood, President of CCOF. “Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture has bolstered organic production and continues to entice more US-based growers into entering the Mexican organic market.”

Kelly Damewood, President, CCOF

The fourth annual OGS is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers, as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food. The newly announced session is part of an extensive educational program designed to inform and engage organic producers and their service providers and supply chain partners. Other OGS 2021 ed sessions will cover agricultural technology breakthroughs, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), soil health, innovative ag inputs, and how to successfully scale a company to meet the growing demand for organic fresh produce.    

OGS general registration is currently open. With a sold-out trade show floor, exhibitors include soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, packaging, and equipment manufacturers who will have the opportunity to connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest control advisors, and food safety experts.

"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 role of ag technology," said Tonya Antle, Organic Produce Network co-founder. "From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production."

OGS 2021 will be held December 1-2 at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, CA. More details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fourth annual Organic Grower Summit, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.