MONTEREY, CA - With coffee in hand and the weekend behind me, it is a Monday of reflection on last week’s Organic Produce Summit (OPS), and I am not the only one. See some of those reflecting with me in the comments below.
Chris Miller, Produce Director, Meat and Seafood Coordinator, MOM's Organic Market
“What a GREAT show! It was wonderful getting back in front of people and getting to absorb the great insights from the speakers, especially Jim Donald. It was awesome to be surrounded by so many passionate produce people again, and flexing those show floor and networking muscles! I was surprised that I could barely make it through the show in those four hours, but I guess that's what happens when there are so many people to catch up with!”
Vic Savanello, Vice President of Produce and Floral, SpartanNash
“As always, Matt Seeley and his organization, Organic Produce Network, put together a show that hit the mark dead center! My team and I loved being back together with the industry and loved all the information and new contacts made.”
Tonya Antle, Co-Founder, Organic Produce Network
“OPS 2021 was filled with energy, excitement, and meaningful conversations about our industry. The organic community is unique and like being a part of a special club with strong, deep relationships well beyond the transaction. OPS is the show that brings buyers and sellers together to grow the organic category and bring the best of organic specialty crop production to consumers.”
Chris Ford, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Viva Tierra Organic
“I thought OPS did a good job hosting this event, providing great educational opportunities and an open-air environment that felt safe for the trade show. It was wonderful to see so many friends, colleagues, and customers together in person and to all be in one place for the same reason—organic produce! Now the work begins: There were a lot of discussions around increasing costs across the supply chain, but we as an industry need to continue to amplify the message regarding the real cost to produce food. I started my organic career 25 years ago, and organic is as much of a revolution now as it was then. Build the soil, empower agricultural workers, eat good food, save the planet.”
Steve Junqueiro, Chief Executive Officer, Steve Junqueiro Associates
“If OPN’s goal was to create a breakthrough conference that provided a forum for buyers and sellers to come together, to answer a pent-up desire to network face to face, to offer the organic industry education in tours and sessions, and to do so in an exciting and jubilant atmosphere, then the OPS was a resounding success!”
With the herculean effort that was this show successfully wrapped, and the unfortunate cancellation of PMA Fresh Summit announced Friday, the connections made in Monterey, California, carry that much more weight. Like those we reached out to, I too am not only grateful for the recent return to a trade show, but also re-energized for this industry we love so well. Here’s hoping to see you all again soon!
