Organic Trade Association names Colin O’Neil senior vice president of public affairs
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has hired Colin O’Neil as senior vice president of public affairs, putting the longtime food and agriculture policy strategist in charge of the association’s legislative, regulatory and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Based in the Washington, D.C., area, O’Neil has nearly 20 years of experience working across the food, agriculture, environmental and public health sectors. His policy work has included organic agriculture, agricultural conservation and climate change, food labeling, chemical regulation and food safety.
Among O’Neil’s early priorities will be advancing OTA’s farm bill priorities and the Domestic Organic Investment Act (DOIA). Introduced in 2025, the bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a permanent USDA grant program intended to expand and modernize the domestic organic supply chain. Congressional records identify the legislation as S. 3427 and H.R. 6593.
The proposal would direct competitive grants to farmers, processors and businesses, including support for expanded storage, processing and distribution capacity.
“Having known Colin for years, based on his successful track record leading policy and advocacy work, we are thrilled to have him join OTA’s leadership team,” Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of OTA, said.
O’Neil will also oversee OTA’s political action committee. The association represents organic farmers and businesses across the U.S. organic supply chain.
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