Aug 10, 2021

Organic growers to speak on challenges of scaling at OGS 2021

The first in a series of educational sessions at Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN, “Organic Grower Perspectives on the Challenges of Scaling” will focus on the issues growers face in expanding their business to meet the increased demand for organic fresh produce.

This session will explore how organic growing operations can navigate the changing marketplace to better fill the supply chain and offer products on a mass scale. OGS will be held in person on Dec. 1-2 in Monterey, California.

Produced in partnership by Western Growers and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will consist of targeted educational sessions featuring industry leaders discussing organic production obstacles and opportunities. Additional keynote presentations from influential and preeminent speakers will focus on the future of organic growing, with an emphasis on how technology is revolutionizing farming.

Moderated by Rod Braga, president of Braga Fresh, “Organic Grower Perspectives on the Challenges of Scaling” will feature leadership from three progressive organic growers sharing their thoughts on how their respective organizations have successfully grown and the difficulties they’ve encountered in expanding their businesses. The panelists include Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens; Scott Mabs, chief executive officer, Homegrown Organic Farms; and Jessica Hunter, vice president of operations, Del Rey Avocado.

“The landscape of the organic supply chain has changed dramatically over the past decade, and smaller growing operations have scaled to become recognized leaders in organic production,” said Tonya Antle, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Organic Produce Network. “Their growth is a story worth hearing, and the session will explore the challenges faced by an organic producer as well as the costs of doing business, the impact of industry regulations, labor issues, and most importantly, what the future holds for organic producers.”

OGS exhibitor sign-up and registration is also open. With more than half of the OGS trade show floor sold out, exhibitors including soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, packaging, and equipment manufacturers will connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.

Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN is designed to provide information vital to organic farmers as well as give an overview of current changes in the production of organic fresh produce. OGS is the only event specifically designed to bring organic fresh produce producers and their service and supply chain partners together for information, education, and networking opportunities.

“In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the role of ag technology,” said Antle. “From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production.”

OGS 2021 will be held December 1-2 at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, CA. General and exhibitor registration is currently open, with less than 20 booths remaining. More details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fourth annual Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.

Above, from the left are Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens; Rod Braga, President of Braga Fresh; Jessica Hunter, vice president of operations, Del Rey Avocado; Scott Mabs, chief executive officer, Homegrown Organic Farms. Photos: OPN