MONTEREY, CALIF. (Oct. 16, 2024) — The Organic Grower Summit (OGS), set for December 4-5, 2024, is excited to announce a comprehensive lineup of expert-led seminars, industry-leading speakers and a special keynote panel, opened by California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving organic market, including education on the latest ag tech, soil health innovations and government regulations.
The event’s keynote panel, featuring Western Growers Association President and CEO Dave Puglia, will provide insights on the future of organic farming. The luncheon will also feature the prestigious Grower of the Year Award, presented by Fendt.
Sponsored by the International Fresh Produce Association, Certis Biologicals and Bank of America, the OGS seminar program will offer seven sessions exploring topics like:
- Will ag tech make organic farms more profitable? Features moderator Walt Duflock, Western Growers Association; panelists Bartley Walker, Pacific Ag Rentals; Daniel Bernstein, HawkTower; and Larry Jacobs, Jacobs Farm Del Cabo.
- Regenerating soil health with organic practices Features moderator Brise Tencer, Organic Farming Research Foundation; panelists Eric Brennan, USDA Agricultural Research Service; Karen Lowell, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Scott Park, Park Farming Organics.
- A whole systems approach to managing pests and weeds? A rundown on best practices. Features 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? Grower and retailer point of view Features 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? A closer look at USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule Features panelists Jenny Tucker, National Organic Program; John McKeon, Taylor Farms; Connie Karr, Accredited Certifiers Association; and Merideth Kiser, Heath & Lejeune.
- What’s available to farmers transitioning acres to organic: Growers, experts share tools and best practices. Moderated by Jessy Beckett Parr (CCOF Chief Program Officer). Features panelists: Bill Brosseau, Brosseau Wines; Dick Peixoto, Lakeside Organic; Ramy Colfer, True Organic; Jaime Lopez, Reiter Berry Farms.
Matt Jungmann, national events director at Farm Progress, said, “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.”
To view the full schedule of seminars and to register, visit the official website at www.organicgrowersummit.com. Special grower pricing is available for Western Growers Association and California Certified Organic Farmers members. Reach out to their membership teams for a registration code.
About Organic Grower Summit
The Organic Grower Summit is a premier event that serves as a hub for organic producers and suppliers to come together and explore the latest trends, techniques and innovations in organic farming, now produced by Farm Progress. Connect with and learn more about Organic Grower Summit online at www.organicgrowersummit.com and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Thank you to the 2024 Organic Grower Summit sponsors and partners including Western Growers (presenting sponsor), Fendt (Grower of the Year sponsor) Western Farm Press and Organic Grower.
About Farm Progress
As part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation’s most economically significant farmers, growers and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at FarmProgress.com.
Media Contacts
Emily Mauermann
Director, Marketing and Product Development
608-322-5010
emily.mauermann@farmprogress.com
Matt Jungmann
Director, National Events
309-371-6117
matt.jungmann@farmprogress.com
