Two prominent agricultural officials shared their optimism for the future of the organic agriculture industry on December 5th, wrapping up OPN’s Organic Grower Summit with encouraging remarks for the nearly 600 attendees. USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt and Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, both expressed confidence in a sector they believe is rapidly expanding.
Ross, in her keynote address at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Spa, described the current era in agriculture as one of the most exciting in generations. Moffitt, responsible for overseeing marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA, highlighted the globalization of markets as a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. She emphasized that consumers now have access to organic food year-round, thanks to this trend.
Moffitt also commended the early success of the USDA’s new organic certification standards, which aim to ensure that all producers operate on a level playing field. Both women were part of the final speakers at the two-day summit organized by Farm Progress and Western Growers. The concluding panel, titled “What’s Next for Organics?” was moderated by Western Growers CEO Dave Puglia, who noted the rise of regenerative practices in agriculture.
The panel also featured Victor Smith from JV Smith Co. and Colby Pereira, COO of Braga Fresh Family Farms in California. Ross highlighted the growing interest in regenerative organic agriculture, which focuses on soil health and worker well-being, also known as “organic plus.”
The summit coincided with California’s Healthy Soils Week, which celebrates efforts to ensure nutrient-rich soil for healthy crop growth. This year, the CDFA themed its initiatives around “A Circular Economy for Healthy Soils,” promoting the use of recycled nutrients from agriculture and communities to replace synthetic fertilizers. This approach not only conserves resources but can also reduce costs or create new revenue streams for producers.
Regenerative organic agriculture was a prominent topic throughout the summit, with multiple panels and trade show vendors focusing on this practice. Ross acknowledged the importance of attendees as leaders willing to share knowledge, reflecting on her childhood on a Nebraska farm and the need for a similar conference back then.
The summit also included presentations on technology, pest management, production challenges, and new federal requirements for organic certification. The Strengthening Organic Enforcement regulations, which came into effect in March, mandate certification at every point in the supply chain.
During the keynote session on December 5th, the summit honored Dick Peixoto of Watsonville, California, as Grower of the Year. Moffitt, leading an ambitious specialty crop initiative, allocated $70.2 million for 21 research and extension projects nationwide to address critical challenges for conventional and organic producers.
Over the past three years, the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative has invested $300 million to assist producers in transitioning to organic practices, resulting in the addition of over 18,000 new certified acres and the adoption of organic practices on an additional 60,000 acres. As the transition to a new presidential administration approaches, Moffitt’s office has prepared informational resources for President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, although discussions have not yet begun.
In conclusion, the Organic Grower Summit highlighted the growth and potential of the organic agriculture industry, with key stakeholders expressing optimism for the future and emphasizing the importance of regenerative practices for sustainable growth in the sector.