OGS 2022 Keynote Presentation Announced: Grower Roundtable: The State of Organic Growing

Leadership from three of the nation's most progressive organic growing operations have been confirmed as panelists for the keynote presentation at the upcoming Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2022 presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for November 30–December 1 in Monterey, CA. 

“Grower Roundtable: The State of Organic Growing” will be moderated by Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers, and panelists will include Brie Reiter Smith, VP of product leadership for Driscoll’s; Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator for Divine Flavor; and Tom Nunes V, President of The Nunes Company. Featuring candid commentary, the thought-provoking keynote presentation will explore how these three leaders in organic production are dealing with hot-button topics including supply chain issues, inflation, labor, new innovations, and technologies.

“As growers continue to adjust to a new normal after the pandemic, the challenges and obstacles they face are wide-ranging. And while sales and consumption of organic fresh produce items continue to increase, a myriad of issues and regulations are front and center for these leaders and their companies. It is important we hear their viewpoints and perspectives as they relate to the future of organic production and growth of our industry,” said Dave Puglia.

The fifth annual OGS is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers, including an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food. The newly announced keynote presentation is part of an extensive educational program designed to inform and engage organic producers, their service providers, and supply chain partners. 

“As growers continue to adjust to a new normal after the pandemic, the challenges and obstacles they face are wide-ranging. And while sales and consumption of organic fresh produce items continue to increase, a myriad of issues and regulations are front and center for these leaders and their companies." - Dave Puglia

Other educational sessions slated for OGS 2022 include:

OGS 2022 will be held November 30–December 1 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA, and general registration is currently open. The sold-out OGS trade show floor will feature soil amendment, ag tech, food safety, packaging, and equipment exhibitors who will have the opportunity to connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.

"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 Matt Seeley, co-founder of Organic Produce Network. "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."

Further details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the fifth annual OGS, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.