Seen and Heard at OPS 2022 - Part 2

OPS attendees gathered together in Monterey, CA, to attend education sessions, keynote presentations, and a trade show exhibition featuring over 150 organic growers, shippers, and processors showcasing their fresh produce items. Attendees met with members of the retailer and buyer community and discussed important topics relating to the organic fresh produce industry.

Kevin Trisko (Taylor Farms/Earthbound Farm), Roger Petersman (Sprouts Farmers Market), and David Dudley (Sprouts Farmers Market) at the opening reception

Taylor Lanzet and Shae Chico (Daily Harvest) enjoying the OPS opening reception

"It's good to get out in the Salinas Valley—I’ve never seen anything like it. The tour has been really fun. I’m learning a lot [about] organic farming and bees and pollinators. The cilantro harvest was interesting as well.” -  Becky Fanion, Category Manager, Stop & Shop 

Retailers and buyers attending the Driscoll's field tour

Retailers and buyers visiting the Earthbound Farm facility

OPS attendees listening to the "Sustainability Through the Supply Chain: What's Working and What's Not?" ed session

“On the Braga tour, I had the opportunity to harvest cilantro, which was very stressful. We also got to see the regenerative ag project that they are running, and I love to see farms at this scale actually implementing things that smaller farms that I’m accustomed to working with [are] already practicing.” - Nina Foy, Produce Buyer, Good Eggs

OPS attendees listening to ed session

Regenerative Ag 101 ed session panel featuring Shelby Layne (Bolthouse Farms), T. Bruce Taylor (Taylor Farms), Eric Morgan (Braga Fresh), and Vernon Peterson (Abundant Harvest Organics)

“I really like this conference because it’s a good chance to get close with suppliers, have some meetings in a casual setting where everyone is comfortable.” - Nathan Avedian, Senior Sourcing Manager, Walmart

OPS attendees heading to lunch

Mil Mijanovic (Albertsons/Safeway) talking with Don Roper (Honeybear Brands)

“This is my third OPS, and it’s something I look forward to every year. It’s my favorite produce show all year because it's mission-based people with a huge dedication to organics.  There is a huge appreciation [for] the legacy of the people who started the organic movement, and I’m on board as this great event continues to grow!” - Eric Cusimano, Global Principal Buyer, Whole Foods Market

Bob Haarhues and Eugene Loudon (Dovex) with Andrew McGregor (Sprouts Farmers Market) on the trade show floor

Erica Gardner and Karen Pellegrini (Walmart) with Greg Novak (Capay Organic)

"I really enjoy OPS. It’s great to see everybody back again. It’s a wonderful show. You get [the] opportunity to visit with a lot of vendors, and the keynote speakers were fantastic. We just really value this time in Monterey with the industry.” - Thomas Frawley, Senior Category Manager, Sprouts Farmers Market 

Catherine Gipe-Stewart (Domex Superfresh Growers) talking with Nick Moless (Whole Foods Market) on the trade show floor

OPS attendees checking out what's new at the Organic Innovations Showcase