Policymakers are expressing a positive outlook for the future of the organic agriculture sector, with recent statements from key agricultural officials underscoring the rapid growth and evolving opportunities within the industry. During the conclusion of the Organic Grower Summit on December 5, USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt and Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, shared their optimism with nearly 600 attendees, highlighting the dynamic potential of organic farming.
Karen Ross described the current period as one of the most exciting eras in agriculture, emphasizing the significant changes and opportunities shaping the sector. According to Ross, the organic agriculture industry is experiencing a transformation that reflects broader trends in sustainability and consumer demand for healthier, more transparent food systems. She pointed to the increasing interest in regenerative organic agriculture, a practice that focuses on soil health and worker well-being, and is sometimes referred to as “organic plus.” This trend, she noted, aligns with a broader movement toward sustainability in agriculture.
Jenny Lester Moffitt, overseeing marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA, echoed Ross’s sentiments, noting the globalization of markets as both a challenge and an opportunity for organic producers. Moffitt explained that while organic agriculture initially started as a hyper-local movement, globalization has expanded market access for producers both domestically and internationally. Consumers now have access to organic food year-round, a significant shift that presents new possibilities for growers to reach broader markets.
Moffitt also highlighted the success of the USDA’s new organic certification standards, which were designed to ensure that all producers, regardless of size or location, operate on a level playing field. These standards are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the organic label, which has become increasingly important to consumers who prioritize food transparency and sustainability. The USDA’s efforts to standardize organic certification have been part of a broader strategy to support the growth of organic farming in the U.S.
The summit also featured a panel discussion titled “What’s Next for Organics?” moderated by Dave Puglia, CEO of Western Growers. The panel focused on the rising interest in regenerative agricultural practices and the future of organic farming. Panelists included Victor Smith of JV Smith Co., which operates farming, cooling, and distribution businesses in both the U.S. and Mexico, and Colby Pereira, COO of Braga Fresh Family Farms, a California-based company. The panelists discussed how regenerative organic practices are gaining traction in the industry, with a focus on improving soil health, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the welfare of farm workers.
The timing of the summit coincided with California’s Healthy Soils Week, which celebrates efforts to promote soil health and sustainable farming practices. This year’s theme, “A Circular Economy for Healthy Soils,” emphasized the importance of recycling nutrients from agriculture and communities to replace synthetic fertilizers. This approach not only conserves resources but can also help farmers reduce costs and create new revenue streams.
Regenerative organic agriculture was a central topic throughout the summit, with multiple panels and discussions dedicated to the practice. Ross praised the attendees for their leadership and willingness to share knowledge, recalling her own experiences growing up on a Nebraska farm and wishing for similar conferences during her youth. The summit’s focus on regenerative agriculture reflects the growing recognition of the need for farming practices that prioritize long-term environmental sustainability.
In addition to regenerative practices, the summit also addressed other key issues facing the organic agriculture sector, including technology, pest management, production challenges, and new federal requirements for organic certification. The USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule, which took effect in March, mandates certification at every point in the organic supply chain, ensuring that organic products meet the highest standards of integrity.
The summit also recognized Dick Peixoto of Watsonville, California, as Grower of the Year, honoring his contributions to the organic farming community. Moffitt, who recently joined the summit’s lineup, also discussed the USDA’s $70.2 million specialty crop initiative, which funds research and extension projects aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by both conventional and organic producers. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the USDA to support the organic sector, including the Organic Transition Initiative, which has invested $300 million over the past three years to help producers transition to organic practices. As a result, more than 18,000 acres have been certified organic, and an additional 60,000 acres have begun using organic practices.
