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Organic Grower Summit set for Dec. 4-5 in Monterey, California

Powerful learning sessions, new tech displays, a jam-packed trade show and networking all aim to empower growers in the rapidly changing organic market. Find out more.

Organic Grower Summit launches Dec. 4-5 in Monterey, California
All photos from Canva

Does a regenerative label help organic? Or does it confuse customers in the produce section? Will robot technology relieve labor shortages on organic farms? Will the government’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule really cut down on organic fraud?

These are just some of the heated questions that will be unpacked at the upcoming and newly streamlined Organic Grower Summit, set for Dec. 4-5 in Monterey, California,

Packed with nine engaging learning sessions, a jam-packed trade show floor, great food and an outdoor walk-through tech exhibit, organizers expect the newly streamlined event will be one where organic growers can learn, talk, debate—and plan for a profitable 2025. And if you’re looking for inspiration, the summit will also reveal this year’s Organic Grower of the Year—a truly remarkable story of hard work, personal courage, and determination.

Outside your comfort zone

“This is a chance for organic growers to get outside their comfort zone and be challenged or influenced by those who maybe have a different perspective,” says Todd Linsky, a veteran of over 30 years in the organic produce industry. “This is how we better ourselves and how we will better our industry.”

OGS will get off to a fast start with plenty of new perspectives to consider. Pick from one or more of these stimulating sessions:

Related:Top 5 for Nov. 14: Organic news to help you grow

  • Will ag tech make organic farms more profitable?

  • Regenerating soil health with organic practices

  • A whole systems approach to managing pests and weeds? A rundown on best practices

  • Can organics become a $144 billion market?

  • What's available to farmers transitioning to organic: Growers and experts share tools and best practices

  • Organic, regenerative or both: What does the market want? Grower and retailer point of view

  • How’s SOE going so far? A closer look at USDA rules to clamp down on organic fraud

Get inspired

Linsky, who will moderate the OGS session on organic growth, is principal and owner at Todd Linsky Consulting — TLC, and has worked globally with more than 50 companies, advising investors, start-ups, retailers and growers. While U.S. sales of certified organic products approached a record $70 billion in 2023, he is concerned about who will grow all the food needed to meet that growing demand.

“The grower community is not growing. It’s shrinking, and that’s scary—so we need to get inspired,” he says. “I don’t feel threatened by another grower, I’m threatened by that person not being around. Attending OGS is a chance to lift all boats.

“Coming to an event like OGS isn’t just about looking at a sprinkler pipe, or new material; It’s about the conversations you have, in many ways with many people, because you’re all under one roof,” he adds. “So, if we truly believe in the power of information, why wouldn’t you want to go to a place that can inspire you, by sharing and giving you more information? OGS gives people that opportunity to grow as individuals in an atmosphere that they couldn’t get on the farm.

Related:Organic Grower Summit: Improving soil health with organic farming practices

“So, there’s a reason to jump in the truck and go to OGS: you’re going to get something in return.”

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Revamped schedule

This will be the first show organized by Farm Progress Co., which bought OGS last fall. “We learned some lessons from last year’s event and have worked to revamp the schedule and refresh the content,” says Matt Jungmann, show director. “We are using our Farm Progress horsepower to tell the organic story wider. This event has been showcased to farmers across the country because there is a media company behind it.

“This is a great opportunity to bring the organic community together,” he adds. “I really respect and admire the way the organic community gathers and rallies around organic crops. It’s not something you see in the Midwest. It’s like a family.”

Jungmann says one of the more energetic experiences of the show is the new tech reception at the end of the first day.

Related:Pennsylvania program supports growth of organic potato market

“It has a cool vibe, a little like a family reunion or picnic centered around technology for growers,” he says. “The other highlight is grower of the year. It’s a little like a Hall of Fame induction. It’s a chance for the organic community to recognize all-stars in organic production.”

Don Tourte agrees.

“If you come, you’re going to learn something you won’t learn anywhere else, from regenerative farming to USDA standards,” says Tourte, Farm Progress senior vice president for sales. “We’re really excited to be jumping into the whole organic market because we realize how important it is.”

How to attend OGS

If you’re ready to be part of the most forward-thinking event in organic agriculture, register now at the OGS home page. OGS offers special member pricing for growers who are members of Western Grower Association (WGA) and the California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF). This offer includes a full event pass, networking receptions, meals, the tradeshow and seminars for only $199 (a savings of $200). For membership information or the member pricing code, please contact WGA or CCOF.

Organizers have arranged a special room rate for OGS attendees at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, California. Book your room at the official hotel block.

 Connect with and learn more about Organic Grower Summit online at www.organicgrowersummit.com and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Thank you to the 2024 Organic Grower Summit sponsors and partners including Western Growers (presenting sponsor), Fendt (Grower of the Year sponsor) Western Farm Press and Organic Grower.

About the Author

Mike Wilson, Senior Executive Editor, Farm Progress

Mike Wilson is the senior executive editor for Farm Progress. He grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Ogle County, Illinois, and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Illinois.

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