Laura Batcha, president of the Organic Trade Association, and Tonya Antle, a principal at Tanimura & Antle, have been added to the the featured presentation and keynote speakers portion of the inaugural Organic Produce Summit, in Monterey, CA, July 13-14.  Batcha will deliver a state of the industry report on organic fresh produce, while Antle will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.Laura Batcha

Batcha and Antle will join Chad Hagen, vice-president of SunOpta; Doug  Evans, founder of Juicero and noted former New York Times columnist; and co-founder of Purple Carrot Mark Bittman as featured presenters at the first-ever event focused exclusively on organic fresh produce.

“A key part of being a successful leader in the organic space is knowing how and when to seize opportunities, gain knowledge and share ideas with your peers and other thought leaders. I believe that The 2016 Organic Produce Summit is going to be just that place,” Antle said in a press release.

The exhibition part of the event sold out last week, with 70 confirmed producers of organic fresh produce committed to displaying their products. The Organic Produce Summit has received confirmation from over 45 different retail and buying organizations who will be attending the event. These retail organizations total over 20,000 stores across the United States and Canada. A list of those attending the inaugural event can be found at www.organicproducesummit.com.

Additional educational seminars hosted by the Organic Trade Association are being finalized with an array of established industry educators and leaders serving as panelists in three different educational sessions.  A fourth educational session on the growing e-grocery sector and organic produce is also being finalized with panelists Tony Stallone, vice president of merchandising for Peapod, and Mike Buffington of IdeoClick. Kevin Coupe, founder of The Morning News Beat, will serve as moderator.  

The OPS is co-sponsored by Taylor Farms and Braga Fresh with support from other major sponsors, including Tomorrow’s Organics, Homegrown Organic Farms, Earthbound Farms and Driscolls.

More information about the inaugural Organic Produce Summit is available at www.organicproducesummit.com.