2006 Press Releases
OTA holds election to get OTA Canada off the ground
For Immediate Release Contact: Stephanie Wells, Office phone: 613-787-2003
Cell phone: 613-263-0575; E-mail: otacanada@ota.com
OTA holds election to get OTA Canada off the ground
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada (July 12, 2006)— At the request of its Canadian members, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is expanding its efforts in Canada by establishing an OTA Canada division.
"This fulfills a long-term goal of OTA to create a stronger presence in Canada," according to Caren Wilcox, OTA's Executive Director. OTA, she noted, has always had members from Canada on its board and in fact, was founded in part by Canadians. This move comes as Canada is preparing to issue its federal organic standards, which will require much attention from OTA.
OTA Canada will be an operating division of OTA, with a managing director reporting directly to OTA's Executive Director and an advisory committee to set strategic priorities and goals. The election for the first OTA Canada Advisory Committee will take place this month. After the election, OTA, in consultation with the committee, will develop a job description for the OTA Canada Managing Director and begin strategic planning for the division.
Nine candidates are seeking six elected seats on the planned eight-member OTA Canada Advisory Committee. All eligible candidates are affiliated with OTA trade member companies based in Canada. The candidates are: Debra Boyle (SunOpta, Inc.), Nancy Ciancibello (Plen Organics, Inc.), Hermann Grauer (Nature's Farm), Kelly Monaghan (Ash Street Enterprises), Michelle Neilson (McLean Meats, Inc.), Billy Potash (Cawston Cold Storage Ltd./Nature's First Fruit), Richard Steele (N2 Ingredients, Inc.), Rachel Swenson (Farmer Direct Co-Operative Ltd.) and Donna Youngdahl (Canadian Wheat Board).
In addition to the six elected positions, there will be one seat appointed by the elected members and the chair, filled by Hélène Bouvier, currently OTA's vice president for Canada.
Areas which OTA envisions its OTA Canada office will focus on include public policy and standards for the organic sector, consumer education, promotion of organic sector businesses, networking opportunities and events, public relations and marketing, and links with research-based organizations mandated to conduct research in the organic field.
As part of OTA's work in Canada, Wilcox and OTA's Canadian liaison Stephanie Wells will participate in the Try Healthy Forum, presented by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Aug. 8-9 in Banff, Alberta, Canada at the Rimrock Hotel. Initiated by senior state and provincial agricultural officials from Canada, the United States, and Mexico as part of the Tri-National Agriculture Accord, the Try Healthy Forum will discuss the challenges in North America's natural, organic and wellness markets, and connect buyers and sellers.
Headquarters: P.O. Box 547, Greenfield, MA 01302 USA 413-774-7511 fax: 413-774-6432 www.ota.com Canadian Office: 323 Chapel Street, Ottawa, On K1N 7Z2 (613) 787-2003 Legislative Office: 600 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314 USA (202) 338-2900
