Navigating and adhering to new compliance requirements for organic producers and handlers will be the subject of the first session announced as part of the educational program of the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2022 Presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for November 30–December 1 in Monterey, CA.

As the National Organic Program’s (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) initiative comes closer to being finalized, new compliance challenges are coming into view for producers, distributors, and importers. “Get Ahead of the Curve and Avoid Regulatory Speedbumps” will feature organic industry leaders providing operational and administrative details of the SOE initiative and how they will affect industry participants.

Moderated by Wolf & Associates' Senior Associate John Foster, panelists for the session include Emily Musgrave, Driscoll’s organic program manager; Connie Karr, Oregon Tilth’s certification director; and Tom Chapman, Organic Trade Association’s CEO and executive director. The newly announced session is part of a robust educational program designed to inform and engage organic producers, their service providers, and supply chain partners. 

“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.”

The fifth annual Organic Grower Summit (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. OGS exhibition and general registration is currently open. With only five trade show booths available before the trade show floor sells out, OGS features exhibitors including 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 management advisors, and food safety experts.

“SOE is the most significant organic regulatory change since regulations were implemented 20 years ago.” - John Foster

OGS 2022 will be held November 30–December 1 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA. Further details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fifth annual OGS, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.

"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 and CEO 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."