About this event
Join industry experts from OTA, ROC, Rodale Institute, Innova, and CIRANDA as they share their insights on the Future of Organic — what excites them, the challenges on the horizon, and how their companies are preparing for a changing environment while supporting sustainable practices.
After the panel discussion, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and connect directly with our panelists. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the visionaries shaping the future of organic!
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Ed is the Sr. Account Manager in Chicago at Innova Market Insights, with nearly a decade in market intelligence and research under his belt. His experience includes partnering on transformation projects with executive leaders in customer experience and marketing across the Fortune 500 including packaging, pharmaceuticals, and of course food & beverage.
Tom joined the trade association in 2022, bringing with him 20 years of industry experience and expertise in policy, organic certification, and organic supply chains. As OTA’s co-CEO, Tom leads the association’s regulatory, international, and technical affairs, oversees the development of association programs and products, and is responsible for operations and financial management. Tom has advised the United States Department of Agriculture on organic policy as the chair of the National Organic Standards Board, served on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee, and is currently a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, advising the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on trade matters.
Elizabeth’s role at the ROA is the culmination of over 20 years working in the field of organic agriculture. She began her career as an advocate for shade-grown, fair-trade, and organic coffee growers in Central America. Since then, she has worked across the spectrum of elevated certifications, both in farming and ranching, earning high-level placements with organizations such as CCOF and EarthClaims. Her greatest honor is to serve a planet that is in tremendous need of each and every one of us. She resides in Northern California with her dog Hazel, growing food and community.
As Head of Sustainability for CIRANDA, Joe is aligning the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. He works with organizations including Marbleseed, the OTA’s Sustainability council and PAC committee, and Wisconsin’s Green Tier Climate Charter, among others. Joe has been a passionate supporter and advocate for all things organic, sustainable and natural since he was young. Growing up near Duluth, Minn., he developed a great appreciation for nature while exploring the outdoors and camping. Today, he lives in Hudson, Wis., where CIRANDA is headquartered, with his wife and two daughters. His family is a strong supporter of CSAs (community-supported agriculture). Joe is currently serving as board president of his local natural food co-op, where he's helped lead membership to historic levels. Joe and his family spend time together hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, fishing and gardening.
Ciranda is a global supplier of organic, non-GMO, and fair trade ingredients for the natural products industry, including food, beverage, nutritional, and personal care markets.