Organic Grower Summit announces two new sessions

September 28, 2023

An ed session focused on a systematic approach to managing pests in organic agricultural systems and an interactive workshop offering insights into research by the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute have been announced as part of the educational program for the upcoming Organic Grower Summit 2023 presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for Nov. 29-30 in Monterey, CA.

“Roadmap to an Organic Sustainable Pest Management Future” will feature three industry experts discussing the ins and outs of organic pest management. Moderated by Gina Colfer, Sustainable Solutions PCA/CCA at Wilbur Ellis, the session will include panelists Kim Horton, agronomy manager at Taylor Farms; Mathew Grieshop, director for the Cal Poly Center for Organic Production and Research; and Jo Ann Baumgartner, executive director at Wild Farm Alliance.

“A working group of 33 agricultural and urban industry members have been working to pave the way for California to develop the Roadmap for a Sustainable Pest Management future,” said Colfer. “The SPM Roadmap builds on the concept of Integrated Pest Management but with a broader consideration for environmental protection, human health, social equity and economic vitality. The organic industry is poised to be industry leaders in this next phase for a SPM future. We need to train and offer solutions for the present and next generation of PCAs, farm managers and industry leaders."

A special interactive 90-minute ed session, “Understanding Evolving Production Challenges for Organic Growers,” will showcase findings from OFRF's California Organic Research Agenda report as well as ongoing research at the University of California’s OAI.

The session will be moderated by Brise Tencer, Executive Director at OFRF. Panelists for the session will include Dr. Shriya Rangarajan, postdoctoral scholar with the OAI; Darryl Wong, Executive Director of the Center for Agroecology; and Larry Jacobs, President of Jacobs Farm del Cabo.

“Both OFRF and OAI regularly connect with organic growers to better understand their evolving needs and the tools and practices that best support organic growers,” said Tencer. “As part of this intensive ed session, attendees will hear from a panel of organic farmers and researchers about the immense value of farmer knowledge networks and the transformative power of researcher-producer collaborations. Facilitated Q&A and interactive breakout sessions will encourage growers to share their insights that can catapult their farm into a sustainable and prosperous future.”

The sixth annual Organic Grower Summit 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.

Highlighting the two-day event is a sold-out trade show floor featuring soil amendment, ag tech, food safety, packaging, and equipment exhibitors who will have the opportunity to connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.

“OGS 2023 will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the changing organic production landscape as well as the role of ag technology,” said Matt Seeley, CEO of Organic Produce Network. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant and timely information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production.”

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