(MONTEREY, CA) With Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture leading to a growing domestic market and creating outstanding import opportunities for US growers, a just announced educational session at the 2021 Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN (OGS) will explore the relationship between the two countries and how they can support each other’s future organic growth.
“Growing and Selling in the Mexican Organic Market” will explore the key differences between the two countries’ organic markets, from the various laws, rules, and regulations to production and supply chain challenges, and what future opportunities exist for growers on each side of the border. Moderated by Maria Barajas of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Certification Services, panelists include leaders from organizations directly involved in the growing and production from both Mexico and the United States. The panelists include Joshua Tamayo, food safety and QA manager for Taylor Farms; Daniela Robles, agricultural engineer, Viñedos Alta/Grupo Alta; and Ed Morales, food safety and organic certification director, JV Smith Companies/Promotora Agricola El Toro.
“The unique agricultural relationship between the US and Mexico continues to evolve and adapt with strong organic expertise on both sides of the border,” said Kelly Damewood, president of CCOF. “Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture has bolstered organic production and continues to entice more US-based growers into entering the Mexican organic market.”
The fourth annual OGS is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers, as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food. The newly announced session is part of an extensive educational program designed to inform and engage organic producers, their service providers, and supply chain partners. Among other session slated for OGS 2021 are topics on agricultural technology breakthroughs, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), soil health, innovative ag inputs, and successfully scaling a company to meet the growing demand for organic fresh produce.
OGS general registration is currently open. With a sold-out trade show floor, exhibitors include soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, packaging, and equipment manufacturers connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest control advisors, and food safety experts.
“In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the role of ag technology,” said Tonya Antle, Organic Produce Network co-founder. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production.”
OGS 2021 will be held December 1-2 at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, CA. More details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fourth annual Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries, so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.
About Organic Produce Network:
OPN is a marketing organization serving as the go-to resource for the organic fresh produce industry. The company’s mission is to inform and educate through a strong digital presence with an emphasis on original content and complimented by engaging live events which bring together various components of the organic food community. The OPN audience includes organic producers, handlers, distributors, processors, wholesalers, foodservice operators, and retailers.
