The 2021 Organic Grower Summit (OGS), presented by Western Growers and Organic Produce Network (OPN), was held on December 1-2 , in Monterey, CA. The event featured a sold-out trade show floor of organic produce supply chain and service provider partners offering organic growers the opportunity to find solutions to some of their most vexing problems. A series of eight different educational sessions covered a wide array of important topics for organic farmers and crop specialists. The show concluded with Vic Smith, CEO of JV Smith Companies, being presented the fourth annual “Grower of the Year” award and a dynamic keynote session featuring the next generation of organic growers.
“It is energizing to hear from other organic growers and shippers about their challenges and solutions [and to] learn about new organic technologies and increasing organic market share.” Bianca Kaprielian Co-Founder and CEO, Fruit World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “OGS is a great opportunity for growers to get the latest in innovation and industry trends that are impacting the organic segment for fresh produce.” Dave Puglia
“Over the past three decades, Vic has worked tirelessly to encourage water conservation, natural methods for pest control, and always found ways to share information about those practices with other organic farmers. His dedication to the environment and community is what makes the organic sector special and [makes] him so deserving of the title of Grower of the Year.”
“There are no shortcuts. A lot of it is learning your soil, learning your ranch, learning your trees. A lot of it is ham and egging … trying to figure out what works from year to year. If your acreage doesn’t lend itself to organics, don’t do it.” Scott Mabs CEO, Homegrown Organic Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “If you are not paying attention to technology, you are going to be left behind. We use a lot of technology, always looking at new ways to solve problems.” Josh Roberts President & General Manager, Triangle Farms
“The unique agricultural relationship between the US and Mexico continues to evolve and adapt with strong organic expertise on both sides of the bor- der. Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture has bolstered organic pro- duction and continues to entice more US-based growers into entering the Mexican organic market.” Kelly Damewood President, CCOF
Greg Milstead Director of Sales, Southwest Region, AGCO
President and CEO, Western Growers
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OPN State of Organic Produce 2021
OPN State of Organic Produce 2021
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