HI FRIENDS,
As we begin a new year together, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for all that was accomplished in partnership with you in 2024. It was a year of extraordinary teamwork fueled by our shared commitment to organic agriculture.
2024 also marked six years since OGC adopted our unique ownership structure: the perpetual purpose trust. This steward ownership model allows us to focus on long-term impact, invest in OGC’s Mission Fund and share our success with those who help us achieve it. While prioritizing fundamental business needs and keeping our core business healthy, we also dedicate 20% of net income to eligible coworkers—a reflection of how deeply we value our team’s contributions.
At OGC, our mission to grow the organic movement is more vital than ever. From climate-related challenges to wildfires to ongoing shifts in the supply chain, we’re navigating a complex and evolving landscape. But every day, our team rises to meet these challenges and works to do good in the world by supporting organic farmers, our customers and the communities who depend on us.
Winter brings one of my favorite seasons in the produce world: citrus season! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for satsumas. My dad used to tuck them into my Christmas stocking as a kid, and their vibrant sweetness still reminds me of those moments. We’re proud to support organic citrus growers who work so hard to deliver the very best — hefty pummelos, juicy Cara Cara navels, stunning blood oranges, sweet-tart kumquats - OGC offers nearly 60 varieties, and they all come from just three citrus ‘ancestors.” It’s fascinating. Check out the story on page 4 to see the citrus family tree.
Finally, I’d love to see you at Organicology in March! This year’s lineup of speakers is nothing short of inspiring, with keynotes that will inspire critical conversations and fresh ideas for our shared work. See page 7 for updates and registration details.
Thank you for everything you do to promote and inspire the growth of organic agriculture. I’m proud to be on this journey with you and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in 2025.
Warmly,
Brenna Davis CEO
A Flavorful Foray into the Genetic Wonder of Citrus
It can be far too easy to take the abundance of OGC’s product list for granted. We know how much work it takes to get the produce that packs the coolers to OGC – the careful work of seed breeders, organic farmers, harvesting crews, packing facility staff, drivers and so many others.
But behind every Indigo cherry tomato pint and Red Russian kale bunch there’s a whole botanical history that makes working with produce feel like a bit of a miracle.
to yellow pummelos the size of volleyballs. And it turns out, citrus season is a particularly intriguing time to look further into fruit’s roots.
“There’s something fascinating, freaky, even sexy about citrus,” says pomologist and “Fruit Detective” David Karp, who has worked extensively with the Citrus Variety Collection at University of California, Riverside and co-founded the Chinese Citrus Germplasm repository in Jiangshui, China.
Native to South and East Asia, fossilized leaves found in China’s Yunnan Province suggest that citrus has been around for as long as seven million years. Remarkably, almost all the citrus species we know and love come from just three primary ancestors: citron, pummelo and mandarin.
Smaller but important genetic contributions come from other wild species like papeda, a slow growing and bitter green fruit that is a parent to beloved fruits like Key limes, Yuzu lemons and Makrut limes. Though scientists have long debated whether kumquats belong in the citrus family, their crosses with citrus varieties bring delights like Limequat and Calamondin.
Almost all varieties in the family Rutaceae can cross to create new types of citruses, a rare characteristic among fruit families. The plants are also very likely to mutate, and together these genetic traits lead to an incredible diversity of fruits from just a few parent species.
“There’s something fascinating, freaky, even sexy about citrus.”
Many types of citrus first developed in the wild – like lemon, a cross between citron and bitter orange that first appeared in northeastern India thousands of years ago. On the other hand, grapefruit is thought to have spontaneously hybridized in 1600s Barbados when a bitter orange and a pummelo were planted close together – a result of luck and human intervention. Other tried and true varieties, like the TDE mandarin, were carefully developed by plant breeders in the last few decades.
Plant breeders continue to develop new citrus varieties, focusing on the characteristics that eaters love the most: sweetness, juiciness, a lack of seeds and fruit that’s easier to peel.
That means we’ll continue to see new citrus varieties appear – and watch the family tree continue to grow.
SQUEEZE THE MOST OUT OF CITRUS
Keep tabs on OGC’s blog for our Citrus Smarts video series, packed with tips and tricks to make the most of citrus season.
Visit OGC’s website to explore the Citrus Toolkit, featuring a category overview and detailed descriptions of all the organic citrus varieties we offer.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for a behind-the-scenes look and plenty of citrus inspiration.
BRIGHTENING THE SEASON: ONE JUICY BITE AT A TIME
The winter months might be chilly, but citrus season is bringing the sunshine! Thanks to our incredible grower partners in California and beyond, organic citrus is at its dazzling best, bursting with color, flavor and peakseason goodness.
To help our customers squeeze the most of it, OGC’s Powered by Citrus campaign has been turning up the volume with educational resources, grower spotlights and creative tools to keep citrus displays fresh and sales juicy. In-store tastings and sharing citrus knowledge tempt shoppers to peel into something new.
And the best part? Citrus season is just now peaking! Talk to your OGC Account Representative about what’s in, what’s next and how to keep that citrus magic rolling.
Bright Bites for Dark Days: Winter Produce from Near & Far
Here in the Pacific Northwest, wintertime means short, wet and chilly days. There is still a remarkable range of produce coming from the region’s farms: radicchio and chicories in gorgeous colors, an amazing array of potatoes, a rainbow of roots, winter squash and apples that only get sweeter in storage and even more.
Still, some meals call for something from sunnier environs. That’s why OGC is lucky and downright proud to partner with our network of trusted organic growers to the south. From the vibrant fields and sunlit farms of the desert and Mexico, these incredible organic growers ensure every season brings its own kind of abundance — proof that fresh, flavorful produce truly knows no borders or boundaries.
Whether it’s a craving for the crunch of a fresh cucumber, juicy tang of a cherry tomato, or a toddler who won’t stop eating berries, OGC’s farmers in Mexico have us covered. The quality and abundance coming out of their fields and from their ranches is enough to warm the dreariest days.
A Don’t Miss Event for Organic Leaders
The countdown is on! From March 12–14, Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon will be a hub for Organicology 2025, a one-of-a-kind gathering designed to inspire, challenge and unite the brightest minds in the organic trade.
Picture this: a 1924 high school-turned-conference venue and concert hall buzzing with energy as organic farmers, retailers, educators, scientists and change-makers come together to reshape the future of the food system. Whether you’re a grower, policy pro or produce manager, Organicology offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect and create lasting change.
WHAT MAKES ORGANICOLOGY DIFFERENT?
This isn’t your typical conference. Organicology is rebellious by design, emphasizing cross-pollination of ideas across all corners of the organic sector. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and the tools to address the biggest challenges in organic agriculture and trade. We partnered with a rock star committee of retail, supply chain and organic agriculture pros to create a program that offers something for everyone. With three focused tracks — In The Basket, At The Table and In The Field — you’ll find sessions tailored to your role, offering a mix of workshops, tours and breakout sessions. Dive deep into topics like reducing plastic in the supply chain, advancing organic seed development and winning over the next generation of organic shoppers.
Here’s a sneak peek of just a few workshops on the lineup:
• The Social Impacts of Produce Imports: The Lesson of Power
• Creating the Next Generation of Passionate Organic Shoppers: Connecting with Gen Z and Beyond
• The Organic Rebellion: Bridging Agendas to Create a World Where Organic is the Norm
WHEN THE LEARNING ENDS, THE FUN BEGINS
Evenings at Organicology are just as dynamic as the days. The event’s tradeshow, live music and signature experiences — like Karaoke from Hell, lively debates and bingo — promise to keep the energy high and the connections flowing.
This is more than a conference; it’s a movement. It’s where inspiration meets action, ideas turn into impact and the organic trade comes together to push boundaries and spark solutions.
READY TO JOIN THE REVOLUTION?
Registration is now open at www.organicology.com. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and help shape the future of organic.
Presented by OGC, Organicology is made possible through the support of so many, including our generous sponsors: Bridges Organic Produce, Café Mam, Covilli Brand Organics, Essential Provisions, Gallant, Heath & Lejeune, Homegrown Organic Farms, Hummingbird Wholesale, Mountain Rose Herbs, Nature’s Path Organic, New Seasons Market, Wholesum, OMRI, Oppy, Organics Unlimited, Valliwide Marketing, Vitalis Organic Seeds, True Organic Products, USDA Regional Food Business Center, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Wolfe & Associates.
OGC’s NorthwestAdvocacy Outlook
Oregon and Washington’s legislative sessions are in full swing, and we’re ready to build on the momentum of the past two years, which brought significant wins for the Northwest’s organic sector. Despite a disappointing federal Farm Bill extension in late 2024 that stripped funding for key organic programs, we’re doubling down on our state-level advocacy efforts this year to support organic producers and businesses.
Through OGC’s ongoing partnerships with the Oregon Organic Coalition and Washington’s Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture, we’ve identified several key policy priorities for 2025:
OREGON
• Funding for a Policy Specialist: Secure dedicated resources for an Organic/Regenerative Policy Specialist position at the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
• Protecting Specialty Crops: Maintain existing protections from GMO canola for specialty crop seed producers in the Willamette Valley.
• Farmer Support Bill Preparation: Lay the groundwork for a 2026 bill to incentivize and reward farmers for adopting organic, regenerative practices.
WASHINGTON
• Action Plan Development: Champion the creation of a statewide Organic and Regenerative Action Plan.
• Enhanced Certification Support: Expand cost-share programs, transition assistance and technical support for organic certification.
• Grants and Loans for Organic Regeneration: Advocate for grant funding and bridge loans to support organic regenerative practices.
• Food Access Programs: Secure resources to improve access to organic regenerative food through Farm-to-School and Farm-to-Foodbank initiatives.
• Program Continuation: Advocate for the continued funding of the Sustainable Farms & Fields program and the Soil Health Initiative.
Throughout the session, our efforts will focus on introducing new legislation, safeguarding existing policies and educating policymakers on the benefits of organic agriculture. We are actively building relationships with new state representatives and committee chairs and finding common ground with the conventional agriculture lobby to ensure a broad coalition of support for organic.
A COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS
“We’re driven by the belief that organic agriculture is essential for a resilient future,” says Mike Dill, OGC’s Director of Advocacy and Sustainability. “This legislative session is an opportunity to advance policies that directly impact our growers, our communities and the environment. With strong partnerships and a clear vision, we’re confident that 2025 will bring meaningful wins for organic.”
As the sessions progress, we’ll provide updates on our advocacy efforts and the impact of these critical policies. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we remain focused on our mission to inspire and grow the organic agriculture movement.
Join the Conversation Virtual Town Hall: Tackling Plastic in Agriculture
WHEN: February 20, 2025, 10 AM PST/1 PM EST
WHERE: Online & Free. Click here to register
Webinar Registration - Zoom
Plastic has become a common sight on farms—blanketing fields, covering hoop houses and used extensively in irrigation systems. It’s also become essential for moving, holding and preserving food after harvest. While these materials can increase efficiency and protect our food, they also present significant environmental challenges. How can we reduce reliance on plastic while supporting sustainable agriculture?
This free virtual town hall brings together farmers, brands, scientists and agricultural service providers for a solutionsfocused dialogue about reducing plastic use across the organic supply chain. From innovative tools to policy shifts, the event will explore practical strategies and illuminate barriers and opportunities for reducing plastic in organic agriculture, food production, packaging and distribution.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Insights from a pre-event survey gathering input from across the food supply chain.
Interactive discussions on how policy can better support sustainable farming practices while protecting the environment and fostering economic health.
A participatory forum for speaking up to share strategies to extend the life of plastic tools, replace them and improve the plastic lifecycle.
MEET THE HOSTS:
Mike Dill of Organically Grown Company has nearly two decades of experience in organic trade advocacy, sustainability and food safety. He leads the Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition and serves on several boards supporting organic agriculture.
Dr. Amber Sciligo of The Organic Center brings 15 years of experience in organic research and communication. She collaborates with farmers, researchers and policymakers to drive innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with leaders in the organic supply chain who are committed to reducing plastic and promoting sustainable practices.
Register to reserve your spot Webinar Registration - Zoom
Fresh Website Fresh Year,
We’re excited to announce the launch of OGC’s newly refreshed website. We’ve taken everything you loved about our site and made it even better, with a focus on improving your experience. The updated site is faster, easier to navigate and more mobile-friendly. It’s packed with inspiring content about organic produce, tips for produce managers, updates on our sustainability initiatives and stories from our organic community.
Here’s a peek at some of the key improvements:
Simplified Navigation makes it even easier to find what you’re looking for.
Fresh, User-Friendly Design that’s intuitive and a feast for the eyes.
Accessibility & Language Features make the website a space everyone can navigate.
We hope you’ll love our freshened-up website. It’s designed to be a valuable resource for you, whether you’re looking for information, inspiration or just want to connect with our organic community. Check it out at organicgrown.com and let us know what you think!
TAKE ME TO THE SITE
OGC’s Mike Dill Appointed to USDA’s Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee Welcome Darren Nakata to OGC’s Board of Governors
We’re thrilled to welcome Darren Nakata as the newest member of OGC’s Board of Governors. Darren brings a unique blend of professional expertise, personal passion and deep community commitment to our mission.
A seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate law, Darren has guided more than 200 transactions across industries, emphasizing not just financial outcomes but also cultural and operational integration. His focus on purpose-driven governance aligns perfectly with OGC’s vision for growing our community and strengthening equitable food systems.
Darren’s connection to agriculture runs deep. As a thirdgeneration Japanese American with a family history rooted in farming, he recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a small farm outside Portland, where he and his family are working toward organic certification. This personal connection fuels his commitment to sustainable and organic agriculture and his understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers.
In addition to his professional and personal ties to agriculture, Darren is a dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion His extensive board experience, including roles at OnPoint Community Credit Union and the Oregon Historical Society, reflects his ability to foster collaboration, navigate complex challenges and lead with purpose and integrity.
Darren’s humility, mindfulness and strategic vision have earned him high regard as a leader. One colleague noted, “He listens, analyzes, astutely maps a course and diplomatically builds consensus. Even when you disagree, you come away feeling heard and respected.”
These qualities make Darren an invaluable addition to our board as we continue to expand our positive impact. Please join us in welcoming Darren Nakata to OGC.
Mike Dill, Organically Grown Company’s Director of Advocacy and Sustainability, has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC).
Mike joins 24 other industry representatives selected to serve two-year terms, advising the Secretary of Agriculture on key issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry. His appointment highlights OGC’s commitment to advancing organic agriculture and ensuring our collective voice is heard in shaping the future of the industry. Mike’s appointment is effective immediately and runs through 2027. We’re excited for Mike and the organic sector to have his expertise contributing directly to the Secretary of Agriculture.
“It’s an absolute honor to represent the organic and Pacific Northwest fruit and vegetable industry on this advisory committee,” said Dill. “Fruits and vegetables make up the largest sector of the organic industry and so many growers, packers and shippers are now operating in organic and nonorganic markets – the days where you needed to choose one camp or the other are thankfully behind us. I’m excited to share my experience that spans the entire supply chain with such a diverse group of stakeholders.”
Originally established in 2001, the USDA’s FVIAC represents a diverse cross-section of growers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, trade associations and more, providing critical insights on challenges and opportunities within the sector.
OGC’s Krista Kinder and Mike Dill visit with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
the Organic Community at the 45th Annual EcoFarm Celebrating
Last month, OGC coworkers traveled to Pacific Grove, California for EcoFarm — a cornerstone gathering for the organic community. Often described as the trade’s New Year celebration, EcoFarm brings together farmers, students, advocates, retailers and wholesalers for farm tours and workshops, inspiring keynote speakers and to connect over shared meals — all with a focus on advancing organic agriculture.
We had the joy of seeing grower partners, customers and distribution allies who are vital to our mission to grow the organic agriculture movement. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and face-to-face conversations remind us of the trust and shared purpose that fuel this work.
EcoFarm’s programming delivered, as always, with farm tours, hands-on workshops and thought-provoking keynotes sparking new ideas and deepening our commitment to sustainable food systems.
A highlight of the event was co-hosting the 13th annual Organic Produce Mixer. We caught up with so many friends, partners and allies, and moments like these remind us how essential gatherings like EcoFarm are — not just to energize our work but to strengthen the bonds of a community united by a shared vision.
Now, more than ever, events like EcoFarm are critical to sustain and grow the organic movement. We left inspired and ready to carry this momentum forward, together. Here’s to keeping organic agriculture thriving.
Organically Grown Company appreciates the leadership, experience and guidance provided by our dedicated Board of Governors, the SFAPPT Trust Protector Committee and Trust Enforcers.
BOARD
Mike Bedessem | Hudson, WI
Cathy Calfo | Santa Cruz, CA
Bianca Kaprielian | Oakland, CA
Edmund LaMacchia | Soquel, CA
Maia Larson | Eugene, OR
Darren Nakata | Portland, OR
Brian Rohter | Hood River, OR
You can learn more about their experience and accomplishments at www.organicgrown.com/ourboard
ARE YOU AN OGC CUSTOMER, GROWER, INVESTOR, COMMUNITY ALLY OR COWORKER?
If you fall into one of these groups, you have the opportunity to influence how our business is run by becoming a Qualified Stakeholder. Learn more and submit an Expression of Interest
TRUST PROTECTOR COMMITTEE
David Lively | Eugene, OR
Joe Rogoff | Guerneville, CA
George Siemon | Viroqua, WI
Natalie Reitman-White | Kimberley, BC
TRUST ENFORCERS
Kate Danaher | Nevada City, CA
Mike Neubeck | Eugene, OR
Andy Westlund | Scio, OR organicgrown.com
