Organic growers and their supply chain and service provider partners will gather next week in Monterey, CA, for two days of information, education, and networking at the fourth annual Organic Grower Summit (OGS), presented by Western Growers and OPN.

Organic and produce industry leaders will host a series of educational sessions on topicsranging from soil and plant health to ag technology to opportunities for organic growers throughout North America. A keynote presentation featuring a panel of the next generation of organic fresh produce leaders and the awarding of the Grower of the Year award to Vic Smith highlight the educational program. A sold-out trade show floor featuring over 70 of the most progressive supply chain and service providers in agriculture also awaits OGS attendees.

Vic Smith, JV Smith Companies, Grower of the Year award recipient

“We are so excited to bring the industry together after not being able to host OGS last year. Our new partnership with Western Growers has provided an outstanding opportunity for us to bring together the largest and most respected producers of organic fresh produce for two days of exchanging information and ideas about our industry,” said Tonya Antle, co-founder of the Organic Produce Network. “We’ve got an outstanding educational program covering a variety of subjects, a dynamic keynote presentation, and the opportunity to honor one of the true legends in organic agriculture, Vic Smith, for his continuous contributions in organic growing.”

Tonya Antle, Co-Founder, Organic Produce Network

The educational sessions at OGS 2021 include:

• Building Resilience through Organic Farming Systems
• Smart Farm: AgTech in the Field
• Smart Farm: The Ag Sharks
• Organic Grower Perspectives on the Challenges of Scaling
• Growing and Selling in the Mexican Organic Market
• Are Regenerative and Sustainability Labeling Good for Organics?
• Organics at Retail—Performance and Consumer Expectations

“We are so excited to bring the industry together after not being able to host OGS last year. Our new partnership with Western Growers has provided an outstanding opportunity for us to bring together the largest and most respected producers of organic fresh produce for two days of exchanging information and ideas about our industry.” – Tonya Antle

The keynote presentation at OGS, “Next Gen: A Conversation with the Next Generation of Organic Leaders,” moderated by Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers, features three panelists: Keith Barnard, Senior Vice President of Sales and Sourcing, Mission Produce; Bianca Kaprielian, CEO and Co-owner, Fruit World; and Mike Valpredo, President and Co-founder, Country Sweet Produce. This thought-provoking keynote presentation will explore how these young leaders see the landscape of organic fresh produce today, the issues organic fresh producers need to address, and what the future of the multibillion-dollar organic fresh produce industry may look like.

Dave Puglia, Keith Barnard, Bianca Kaprielian, and Mike Valpredo, Keynote Presentation

“As the future of the organic fresh produce industry rests with the next generation of growers and producers, they will face a wide array of opportunities and obstacles. While the sales and consumption of organic fresh produce items continues to grow, challenges from costs, labor, regulations, and other hot-button issues await these new leaders. It is important we hear their viewpoints and perspectives as it relates to the future of organic production and growth of our industry,” said Antle.

OGS attendees will have two days to explore a sold-out trade show floor, featuring many of the most innovative companies in agriculture. 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.

“While the sales and consumption of organic fresh produce items continues to grow, challenges from costs, labor, regulations, and other hot-button issues await these new leaders.” – Tonya Antle

OGS will be held at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, CA, on December 1-2, and general registration is currently open and available at www.organicgrowersummit.com. Discounted rates are available for Western Growers and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) members. Registration on site will also be available during the summit.