SALINAS, CA — As the organic category continues to take hold in the fresh produce industry, a new event is now available for growers, producers, and processors. General attendee registration is now open for the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS), slated for December 13-14 in Monterey, CA. Attendee registration includes all activities and events, including the opening reception, breakfast, educational sessions, keynote presentations, lunch, and access to the trade show floor. Registration is $399, with discounts available for CCOF members.
A joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will bring together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information, and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
"The Organic Grower Summit offers an important opportunity for agricultural producers and leaders to network and stay on top of the latest trends in organic production," said Cathy Calfo, CCOF Executive Director/CEO, according to a press release. "The overwhelming enthusiasm for this gathering speaks to its importance for California's organic and agricultural community."
Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their attendance to date at the event, with more than half of the 72 available trade show booths sold. Among participating exhibitors are leaders in the fields of seed, packaging, soil amendments, food safety, and ag technology, who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
"The response to the event has been resoundingly positive from the organic community. They see the benefit of an event connecting organic growers and farmers with those on the supply and service provider side of the business. As organics continues to grow, the need for expanded education and information throughout the organic production community will be vital to our continued success," said Tonya Antle, Co-Founder of OPN. "Our relationship with CCOF in putting together the OGS indicates we are producing the right event at the right time in bringing our community together."
Educational session panels at OGS will range in topics including farm soil management, environmentally-sustainable packaging, advances in agricultural technology, and a discussion with elected state and federal officials on key issues facing agriculture. Among confirmed speakers are Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator at USDA-AMS; plus additional keynote presentations and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
Additionally, OGS is finalizing an educational Outreach Program for PCA, PRC, and qualified applicators to kick off the event. Attendees are eligible for two hours of approved continuing education credit and will learn about new requirements for pesticide use near schools and worker protection standards.
For further information about the first-ever Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.
