MONTEREY, CA - The Organic Grower Summit (OGS), presented by Farm Progress, is proud to announce Thaddeus Barsotti, founder of Capay Organic and former Grower of the Year, as the opening keynote speaker for OGS26, taking place Dec. 2-3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California.
Barsotti, a second-generation organic farmer and an influential voice in the organic agriculture movement, will share his journey from growing up on a 1980s organic truck farm to building one of the largest organic direct-to-consumer platforms in the country. His keynote will offer a rare, personal perspective on the evolution of organic farming, the challenges and triumphs of scaling a values-driven business, and what it takes to lead in an industry that's constantly evolving.
“Thaddeus Barsotti represents the very best of what organic agriculture stands for—innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable farming,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress senior national events director, in the recent release. “His story is one that every grower, retailer and industry professional needs to hear. We're honored to have him open OGS26 and set the tone for two days of meaningful conversation and collaboration."
A Legacy Rooted in Organic Agriculture
Born and raised on an organic farm in California's Capay Valley, Barsotti has spent his entire life immersed in organic agriculture. He is the founder of Farm Fresh To You, which became the largest organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program in the United States before being acquired in 2020. Today, he continues to operate Capay Organic, a medium-to-large-scale organic produce farm, and he serves as Chairman of the Board for CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), one of the nation's leading organic certification and advocacy organizations.
Barsotti is also a recently published author, having written a compelling memoir, Betting on the Farm: An Heirloom Childhood, about his experiences growing up on an organic farm and being part of the organic farming movement from its earliest days. His work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and advocate has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the organic community.
As a previous OGS Grower of the Year, Barsotti's return to the Organic Grower Summit stage is a full-circle moment—one that underscores the event's role as a gathering place for the industry's most innovative and impactful leaders.
In addition to Barsotti's keynote address, OGS26 will deliver an immersive experience designed to connect, educate, and inspire the organic community. The summit will introduce an exclusive Farm Progress AGTech Reception & Field Demos at Reservoir Farms, an offsite evening networking event featuring live field demonstrations of the latest innovations in organic agriculture technology, sponsored by Reservoir, John Deere and Western Growers Association. A new Retailer Panel Discussion will bring together industry experts to share critical insights on product quality, consistency, pricing, packaging, and sustainability. Adding to the excitement, This Week in Agribusiness will be filming live on-site, hosting their weekly episode and engaging attendees while spotlighting the innovations and stories shaping the future of organic farming.
The summit will also feature educational sessions covering sustainable practices, emerging technologies, soil health strategies, integrated pest management (IPM), and market trends, alongside an enhanced indoor and outdoor trade show with live presentations of next-generation organic farming innovations. The prestigious Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere, will recognize four finalists for excellence in organic growing practices, with one ultimately being named Grower of the Year. Nominations close Aug. 31, 2026.
2026 Registration
The Full 2-Day Pass delivers the summit's most comprehensive experience:
- Complete access to all educational sessions and networking events
- Meals including breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks
- Entry to the opening general session and the retailer panel
- Transportation and entry to the Farm Progress AGTech Reception & Field Demos at Reservoir Farms
- Attendance at the Grower of the Year awards ceremony
- Full access to the tradeshow featuring leading-edge organic solutions
For those with limited schedules, single-day passes are available and include all activities scheduled for the selected day. Complete registration details and package options can be viewed online at www.OrganicGrowerSummit.com.
Registration is now open for all organic industry and allied trades professionals, including growers, consultants, and inspectors.
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