MONTEREY, CA - The 2024 Organic Grower Summit (OGS) once again proved to be a premier gathering for the organic farming community, bringing together growers, industry professionals, and thought leaders for two days of education, innovation, and connection. Held in Monterey, California, this year’s event welcomed hundreds of participants from across the organic agriculture industry.
"The Organic Grower Summit provides a platform for collaboration and learning, uniting stakeholders who are shaping the future of organic farming,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress National Events Director. “This year’s enthusiastic participation underscores the growing interest in sustainable and innovative farming practices.”
The event featured a packed schedule of keynote addresses, educational seminars, and live ag-tech demonstrations, all receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. With 86 percent of seminar participants awarding the program five out of five stars, the educational sessions covered critical topics like soil health, ag technology, and market resiliency, a press release stated.
A major focus of OGS was the increasing importance of regenerative farming practices. Seminar sessions such as “Regenerating Soil Health with Organic Practices” and “Organic, Regenerative, or Both: What Does the Market Want?” attracted packed rooms and sparked valuable discussions among growers and retailers. Esteemed speakers, including Eric Brennan of the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Jennifer Lester Moffitt, USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, emphasized the role of innovation in building a resilient food system.
The summit also celebrated outstanding achievements in organic farming with the prestigious Grower of the Year Award. This year’s honoree, Dick Peixoto of Lakeside Organic Gardens, was selected for his pioneering contributions to the organic farming industry.
On the bustling trade show floor, leading brands and emerging startups showcased innovative solutions to advance sustainability and efficiency in organic agriculture. The expo provided opportunities to explore new products, network with peers, and gain insights to enhance growers’ operations.
“It’s inspiring to see the organic community come together to share knowledge and celebrate progress,” said Jungmann. “We’re grateful to our sponsors, partners and exhibitors who made this event a success, and we’re already looking forward to an even bigger event in 2025.”
The 2025 Organic Grower Summit is scheduled to return to Monterey, California, from Dec. 3-4, 2025. We hope to see you there!