The Organic Summit 2010 Agenda

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The current economic environment, coupled with the underlying societal dependence on cheap products, has produced an atmosphere that pushes Organic to the margins of the marketplace. Even though organic is growing, the growth has slowed. Even when consumers say they value organic they are deterred by price. How do we grow organic and shift the mindset of the consumer so that the tenets of organic are part of the consumer value mindset. Author and analyst Ellen Ruppel Shell will illuminate the history and politics of what she calls "the low price imperative," with an eye toward making change in the future.

From the opening keynote discussion, we'll move into a deeper look at the ingredients going into organic products and the emerging opportunities for product development and organic manufacturing. We'll hear from leading experts what the stumbling blocks and enablers are to qualifying organic ingredients. By taking a closer look at the food manufacturing/technology trends we'll understand where product development is heading and what the implications are for organic producers.

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Over the last year there have been a number of high-profile discussions surrounding GMOs. A basic tenet of organic (as certified by USDA) is that GMOs are prohibited. As an industry we have a unique opportunity to raise the awareness of organic while communicating the dangers of a GMO food system. Join in this professionally facilitated hands-on session to develop a clear communication plan for an organic GMO message for the industry.

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Before breaking up into smaller groups for lunch discussions, we'll hear an update on the NOSB and any changing regulations for the Organic sector.  Lunch discussions will include conversations on the most current and pertinent issues affecting our industry and attendees. 

Roundtable Discussion Topics include:

• NOSB preview, with John Foster as Discussion Leader
• Our Responsibility for Organic: An open dialog about some of the factors challenging organic today both from within and from outside.  We invite a frank discussion and brainstorm on how the organic industry can best achieve its goals in an environment with challenges like:
  - Natural claims vs. organic claims
  - Myths/ Negative media
  - Accomplishing the Environmental Mission of organic
  with Dag Falck as Discussion Leader
• NOP’s Age of Enforcement on Certifiers and Operators, with Jake Lewin as Discussion Leader
• Seed Matters:  As we face today’s challenges –– climate change, environmental degradation, and an expanding population –– the conservation and stewardship of organic seed is key to our future. In order for organic farmers to feed communities around the world without dependence on toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, they need access to organic seed that’s bred to thrive in organic systems. Without organic seed, our sustainable food future is at risk. With Matthew Dillon as Discussion Leader
• Farm Bill update, with Mark Lipson as Discussion Leader
• plus late-breaking issues!

Consumer awareness of health and wellness, and an abundance of health and wellness labels, are greater than ever.  Many of these consumers look for products that they perceive as healthier for them, and they also view natural and organic as a better choice.  Yet organic manufacturers may not be engaging consumers in the lexicon of health and wellness – and take for granted that consumers understand of the tenets of organic.

How can organic manufacturers speak to consumers within the lexicon of health and wellness, clearly and simply – yet also utilize this as an opportunity to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of organic? How can Organic manufacturers and retailers differentiate Organic to consumers who are left to interpret terms such as natural and may equate natural and organic?  The Organic industry has an opportunity to resonate with the largest consumer base if they can properly get the message that Organic is wellness.

The Organic Film Trailer Festival seeks to identify new works on organic agriculture and products, the past and future of the organic movement. We will view a selection of trailers from emerging films and collectively select one as the Organic Summit's Pick of the Harvest. Craig King (producer of Here We Grow) will emcee and present the Pick of the Harvest award.

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2010 marks several milestones for the organic industry, including the 25th anniversary of the Organic Trade Association, the 20th anniversary of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and the 20th anniversary of the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA).  In this closing session, we look at the milestones of organic to help us identify a framework for the future of organic.

The Organic Harvest Festival, located within two blocks walking distance of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, brings the organic community together with live music, casual conversation, organic food and drink and the Spirit of Organic Award presentation.  For more information on the Spirit of Organic Award and to make a nomination, please see the awards page.

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