Jan 26, 2023

OTA’s Farmers Advisory Council adds 2 new members

Two organizations representing a combined 1,500 organic farmers have joined the Organic Trade Association’s Farmers Advisory Council.

Florida Organic Growers and the Organic Association of Kentucky represent farmers across the Southeast and around the country. Their participation in the council will boost their influence on national organic policy while helping OTA expand its geographic reach and representation of under-served farming communities.

“As momentum for the next Farm Bill builds, and other important organic issues come to center stage, the input from the Florida Organic Growers and the Organic Association of Kentucky will help us greatly in our understanding of the key issues and needs for organic producers in those areas and strengthen and enrich the voice of the OTA,” Tom Chapman, OTA CEO, said in a news release. “We heartily welcome the two organizations to FAC and look forward to their participation and involvement.”

Formed in 2013, the FAC has provided a voice for organic farmers and fostered substantive communication between OTA and organic producers and ranchers while providing a network to share relevant and timely information to growers. Other participating organizations include CCOF Inc., Georgia Organics, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers, Montana Organic Association, Organic Egg Farmers of America, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Tilth Alliance of Washington, and Western Organic Dairy Producers Association.

“Florida Organic Growers and OTA have a long and fruitful relationship,” said Ramkrishnan Balasubramanian, Executive Director of FOG. “We know that as a member of the Farmers Advisory Council and through our connections and relationships with organic producers not only in our state but also in the Southeast region, we can inform OTA of the issues that matter most to them so we can work together to influence changes that will benefit the organic industry.”

FOG and OAK members can now join OTA under its Farmstead Membership category.

“With steady growth in demand for organic produce, grains and protein across our region, the Organic Association of Kentucky knows this new partnership will support the interests of organic and transitioning farmers in Kentucky, providing meaningful access to policy discussions and resources, and expanding opportunities for small organic farms to thrive, here at home and across the country,” said Brooke Gentile, executive director of OAK.