Oregon Tilth

The Oregon Tilth certified organic (otco) program: the organization provides organic certification to over 2100 growers, processors, and handlers, throughout the u.s and mexico. The otco program ensures organic integrity throughout the supply chain, from the farm to the table. Otco provides a system that combines strict production standards, third-party inspections, and strong enforcement provisions to protect the producers and buyers of organic products. In 2022, the organization was a key organizer of the accredited certifiers association annual training, with three days of in-person sessions as well as three additional days of online sessions. The organization receives a substantial amount of its funding from fees charged for annual certification services.

Organic education program: through education projects and initiatives, the organization expands food production practices that conserve natural resources, increase resilience in the face of climate change, and build healthy, equitable communities. Long-standing strategic partnerships also include a joint staff position with the usda natural resources conservation service to improve conservation programs, which offer technical and financial assistance for transitioning and organic farmers; and working with Oregon state university to inform research, training and tools to support organic and community-based food systems.in 2022, the organization benefited from increasing public investments to support and expand the organic sector. A human capital capacity building project created resources designed to improve access to, as well as the quality and inclusiviy of, postsecondary organic agriculture educational courses and programs in an effort to develop a larger and more diverse workforce of well-qualified organic certification staff. The organization was also selected to serve as the pacific northwest regional lead for usda's new transition to organic partnership program (topp) for a 5-year project period. The topp will build upon existing collaborations and cultivate new partnerships with other service providers, public agencies, research institutions, and industry leaders to help build the field of knowledge and strengthen the support system for transitioning farmers and organic agriculture. The organization also expanded the reach of its know your cost to grow program to farmers in six southern states through a southern sustainable agriculture research and education professional development program two-year project.the organization works in strategic partnerships to help inform and influence public policy and government programs at both the state and federal levels. In 2022, the organization coordinated with advocacy partners to engage legislators and agency administrators through written public comments, oral testimony, as well as online and in-person meetings with constituents and stakeholders. By accessing diverse levels of policymakers, the organization helped put a face and place on the organic community to shape how public policy can translate into commitments that advance organic research and education, grow organic trade and markets, and offer direct incentives for organic practices that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.