Monterey, CA – John Foraker, co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm, has been announced as the keynote presenter at the Organic Grower Summit 2018, this coming December in Monterey, CA.
Foraker, one of the most accomplished and respected executives in the organic industry, co-founded the organic, cold-pressed baby food company Once Upon a Farm in 2017. Prior to his new start-up, Foraker spent more than 30 years in the natural and organic food industry, running businesses with a sharp focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Foraker was the longtime leader of Annie’s, Inc., a leading natural and organic food brand, from 1999 to 2017. As CEO of Annie’s, he took the company public in 2012, before General Mills acquired the business in 2014 for $820 million.
“As the organic industry continues to grow, it’s an honor to talk with those actively involved in growing fresh organic food about the opportunities the industry has today and looking to the future,” said Foraker.
Foraker’s presentation will be followed by The Grower Roundtable, featuring industry leaders from three of North America’s most prominent organic growing operations. The Grower Roundtable participants include Esteban Macias, crop protection manager/independent rower, Grupo U; Robin Graham, assistant general manager, Stemilt Ag Services; John France, founder, Homegrown Organic Farms; and Scott LaRue, managing director, global head of investment banking and capital markets, Piper Jaffrey.
The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members and government and educational members. Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast, and lunch and trade show floor.
Participating grower attendees have an opportunity to meet with a team of Costco buyers as part of a special "Meet the Grower" opportunity. This unique session provides certified organic farmers and grower representatives the opportunity to meet face to face with Costco organic produce, dairy, meat and wine buyers to discuss their operations and products.
Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pair of additional activities: the 2018 CannaBus Tour from 8 am – 12 pm on Wednesday, December 12th and the CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm
Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS. The tradeshow floor is nearly sold-out, with only a few exhibitor spaces remaining. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
For further information about OGS 2018, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com
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About OPN
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. www.organicproducenetwork.com
About CCOF
CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm. For more information about CCOF, visit www.ccof.org.
Source: Organic Produce Network
