OPA Hosts Inaugural Fly-In
June 8, 2022Today, the Organic Produce Association (OPA) concluded its inaugural Washington, D.C. fly-in.
Members of OPA representing field and controlled environment organic produce met with leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss key policy issues impacting the organic produce sector.
“With the continued growth in consumer demand for organic produce, it’s essential that policymakers in Washington, D.C. hear directly from our industry,” said acting OPA Chairman Theo Crisantes, Chief Operations Officer for Wholesum. “While we are working to ensure all U.S. consumers have access to affordable organic produce, we must advance this goal through sound legislation and administration of the National Organic Program and promote appropriate investments in USDA programs supporting organic growers, and growers that want to transition to organic production.”
OPA members highlighted the association’s support of USDA efforts to reduce the backlog of NOSB recommendations, the need for science-based standards that facilitate innovation in organic production, and OPA
‘s FY 2023 Appropriations request for research, extension, and educational programs.
The Organic Produce Association (OPA) consists of members in the organic produce industry who focus on science-based policymaking and the ability to be innovative while respecting the tradition of organics and the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.