Dec 6, 2022
OTA to use record $1 million to promote US organic products globally

The Organic Trade Association has received a record $1 million-plus in federal funding to promote U.S. organic products worldwide in 2023.

The $1,011,911 award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program represents an increase of almost 10% from 2022 funding levels.

The OTA will be showcasing U.S.-produced organic products at global events including 10 international activities currently planned for 2023. Image: OTA

“The Organic Trade Association is proud to have been an official cooperator in USDA’s Market Access Program for more than 20 years, leading to huge wins for the organic industry,” said Sarah Gorman, OTA international trade manager. “Our market promotion efforts have created opportunities that have generated millions of dollars in new sales and expanded global market access for our participating businesses, establishing new organic customers around the world.”

The association will be showcasing U.S.-produced organic products at global events including 10 international activities currently planned for 2023. That slate includes the world’s biggest organic trade fair, BIOFACH, to be held Feb. 14-19 in Germany, as well as trade missions throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“Our nation’s organic farmers benefit from global trade,” OTA CEO Tom Chapman said. “Connecting organic producers and businesses with developing and often untapped organic markets and educating consumers everywhere about the benefits of U.S. organic help keep organic profitable and sustainable.”

USDA statistics show the value of U.S. organic exports nearly doubled between 2011 and 2021, from around $400 million to just over $700 million, with an almost 10 percent increase from 2020 to 2021. Canada and Mexico are the United States’ largest export partners, with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the EU, and United Arab Emirates in the top 10.

While OTA’s member companies provide the bulk of all U.S. organic exports, the association’s market promotion activities are open to the entire organic industry.


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