An educational session at the 2018 Organic Grower Summit will provide attendees an opportunity to hear from two members of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), providing an overview of the agency responsible for recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products.
“Candid Conversation with National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Members” will feature an in-depth look at how the Board makes recommendations on organic production practice standards and materials allowed or prohibited for use in the production and processing of organic foods. The session will also allow for a question and answer period with OGS attendees.
The session will be moderated by Melody Meyer, President of Source Organics, and will feature NOSB Chair Tom Chapman, senior sourcing manager, ingredients, Cliff Bar, Inc; and newly elected NOSB member Eric Schwartz, CEO, United Vegetable Growers Cooperative.
“We look forward to talking with members of the organic community at OGS about the work of NOSB,” said Eric Schwartz, NOSB Board Member, and CEO of the United Vegetable Growers Cooperative. “The NOSB relies heavily on input from the organic community, especially during the advisory process to the National Organic Program. It’s important to understand how the rule making process works and how organic growers, processors, and handlers can get involved.”
The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members and government and educational members. Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast, and lunch and trade show floor.
Participating grower attendees have an opportunity to meet with a team of Costco buyers as part of a special “Meet the Grower” opportunity. This unique session provides certified organic farmers and grower representatives the opportunity to meet face to face with Costco organic produce, dairy, meat and wine buyers to discuss their operations and products.
Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pair of additional activities: the 2018 CannaBus Tour from 8 am – 12 pm on Wednesday, December 12th and the CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm
Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS. The tradeshow floor is nearly sold-out, with only a few exhibitor spaces remaining. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
For further information about OGS 2018, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com
About OPN
OPN is a marketing organization serving as the go-to resource for the organic fresh produce industry. The company’s mission is to inform and educate through a strong digital presence with an emphasis on original content and complimented by engaging live events which bring together various components of the organic food community. The OPN audience includes organic producers, handlers, distributors, processors, wholesalers, foodservice operators and retailers. www.organicproducenetwork.com
About CCOF
CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm. For more information about CCOF, visit www.ccof.org.
