Oct 16, 2024
Organic Grower Summit 2024 unveils seminar schedule

The Organic Grower Summit (OGS), set for Dec. 4-5, 2024, has unveiled its lineup of seminars, industry-leading speakers and keynote panel, which will be opened by California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross.

OGS is set to provide insights into the evolving organic market, including education on the latest AgTech, soil health innovations and government regulations.

“This year’s revamped schedule gives Organic Grower Summit attendees a unique chance to connect with industry experts in the field and on the retail side, explore new innovations and learn how to make their operations more efficient and profitable,” said Matt Jungmann, national events director at Farm Progress.

Keynote panel

The event’s keynote panel will feature Dave Pulia, president and CEO for Western Growers Association, and will provide insights on the future of organic farming. The luncheon will also honor the Grower of the Year Award, presented by Fendt.

OGS seminars

OGS seminar programs, sponsored by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), Certis Biologicals and Bank of America, will offer seven sessions exploring a variety of topics. Here is an overview of some of the sessions:

Will ag tech make organic farms more profitable?

  • Moderator: Walt Duflock, Western Growers Association
  • Panelists: Bartley Walker, Pacific Ag Rentals; Daniel Bernstein, HawkTower; and Larry Jacobs from Jacobs Farm Del Cabo

Regenerating soil health with organic practices

  • Moderator: Brise Tencer, Organic Farming Research Foundation
  • Panelists: Eric Brennan, USDA ARS; Karen Lowell, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Scott Park, Park Farming Organics

A whole systems approach to managing pests and weeds?

  • Moderator: Vonnie Estes, International Fresh Produce Association
  • Panelist: Eric Morgan, Braga Fresh; Doug Currier, Organic Materials Review Institute; Kim Horton, Taylor Farming; and Gina Colfer, Wilbur Ellis Ag

Organic, regenerative or both: What does the market want?

  • Moderator: Eric Morgan, Braga Fresh
  • Panelists: Ann Marie Hourigan, Whole Foods Market; La Rhea Pepper, Textile Exchange; Tim Nuss, Nuss Farms; and Thaddeus Barsotti, Capay Organic

How’s SOE going so far?

  • This seminar will take a closer look at USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule.
  • Panelists: Jenny Tucker, National Organic Program; John McKeon, Taylor Farms; Connie Karr, Accredited Certifiers Association; and Merideth Kiser, Heath & Lejeune

The full schedule of seminars is available online. To register, visit the official website at organicgrowersummit.com.


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