2009 Press Releases
Organic Trade Association leads tour of organic operations
Contact: Jennifer Rose
jrose@ota.com; 413-376-1234
International press tour celebrates opening of EU and Japanese markets to U.S.-sourced organic berries and wines
MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2009) ─ The Organic Export Program managed by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) last week led members of the European Union (EU) and Japanese press on a five-day tour of California organic wineries and farms.
Organized by OTA’s Organic Export Program, the tour sought to provide foreign press with first-hand exposure to U.S. organic products, as well as the opportunity to speak directly with American organic producers and manufacturers. The tour also aimed to educate the press about the quality, consistency, and variety of U.S. organic products available for export.
During the five-day mission, representatives from such international media outlets as Office K2M, Revue du Vin de France, Les Marchés, The Wine and Food Association, and International Supermarket News toured organic companies, including Traditional Medicinals, Frey Vineyards, Dixon Ridge Farms, Driscoll’s, Fetzer Vineyards, Bonterra Vineyards, Jeriko Estate Wineries, Barra of Mendocino/Giracole Vineyards, and Lolonis Vineyards, and were treated to a private dinner catered by chef and organic advocate Domenica Catelli. Additionally, they enjoyed presentations by Jake Lewin of California Certified Organic Farmers, who spoke about the integrity of the U.S. organic program and seal, and OTA’s New Media Manager Jennifer Rose, who provided an update on organic market trends.
“This was a fun way to educate the international press about the bounty of U.S. organic production, particularly wine, berries, and nuts. It also gave U.S. organic companies a great outlet for showcasing their ecological practices and the products that result,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director.
The tour was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP), which provides financial support for the promotion and export of U.S. agricultural products. EU and Japanese markets recently opened to U.S.-sourced organic wines and berries with their governments’ acceptance of the use of potassium bicarbonate in organic production.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy (www.ota.com).
