Tanimura & Antle's Tonya Antle and CEO/Executive Director of the OTA Laura Batcha to Give Insights at Inaugural Organic Produce Summit
SALINAS, CA - If you haven’t yet heard, the inaugural Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA from July 13-14 is already boasting an impressive lineup up of speakers. Now, the show has added two more organic produce experts, Tanimura & Antle’s Principal Tonya Antle, and President of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), Laura Batcha.
“A key part of being a successful leader in the organic space is knowing how and when to seize opportunities, gain knowledge, and share ideas with your peers and other thought leaders. I believe that The 2016 Organic Produce Summit is going to be just that place!” said Tonya, who will be Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Laura, who holds 20 years of direct experience as a certified organic producer and handler, and more than 10 years of hands-on experience in the private sector of the organic industry, will be delivering a state of the industry report on organic fresh produce during the two-day event.
Tonya and Laura will join Chad Hagen, Vice-President of SunOpta; Doug Evans, Founder of Juicero and noted former New York Times Columnist; and Co-Founder of Purple Carrot, Mark Bittman, as featured presenters at the first-ever event focused exclusively on organic fresh produce.
Having sold out its exhibitions last week, the Organic Produce Summit has confirmed that 70 producers of organic fresh produce will display. The Organic Produce Summit has also received confirmation of attendance from over 45 retail and buying organizations, with ownership of over 20,000 stores across the United States and Canada. A list of those attending the inaugural event can be found here.
Additional educational seminars hosted by the OTA are still being finalized, but attendees can expect an array of established industry educators and leaders serving as panelists in three different educational sessions, according to a press release. A fourth educational session on the growing e-grocery sector and organic produce is also in the final stages, with panelists Tony Stallone, Vice President of Merchandising for Peapod, and Mike Buffington, of IdeoClick. Kevin Coupe, Founder of The Morning News Beat, will serve as moderator.
The OPS is co-sponsored by Taylor Farms and Braga Fresh, with support from other major sponsors including Tomorrow’s Organics, Homegrown Organic Farms, Earthbound Farms, and Driscolls. Keep watching AndNowUKnow for the latest on the inaugural organic summit, and check out www.organicproducesummit.com for more details.
