The Organic Trade Association created and promoted the USDA-administered Gro Organic Check Off program. If approved by the vote of certified organic farmers, the program will create a $30 million annual tax on U.S. organic farmers, designed to advance research and promotion for organic foods and fiber. Concerns have been raised by numerous critics. This is the first check off or marketing order to attempt to promote a broad spectrum of crops. All others were developed for a single crop. This is also the first check off designed exclusively for organic foods and will feature a USDA advisory board comprised of farmers and others in the organic food business, including processors and sellers. Numerous issues have arisen, yet the USDA is moving toward an organic farmer vote on the issue. This session will feature two advocates of the program and two who oppose it, in a facilitated, polite discussion between panelists and the audience.
Track:
Activists
Session:
C | 3:30 pm
Location:
Heather
Day:
Thursday
Date:
10/21/16
Presenter(s):
Title:
Laura Batcha
Presenter Affiliation:
Organic Trade Association (OTA)
Title:
Phil LaRocca
Presenter Affiliation:
LaRocca Vineyards
Title:
Steve Sprinkel
Presenter Affiliation:
The Farmer and the Cook
Title:
Tom Pavich
Presenter Affiliation:
FMP Vineyards
