What to Expect

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

9 - 9:15 a.m.

Speaker: Rebecca North, Ecological Farming Association

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

Moderator: Tim Galarneau, Center for Agroecology

Speakers: Alison Alkon, UCSC; Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, Author, Will Work for Food

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

This session explores the challenges and opportunities facing small and mid-sized organic producers in accessing local, regional, and national markets. From navigating distribution channels and scaling production to meeting certification requirements and building direct-to-consumer models, the growers will discuss practical strategies to level the playing field and create a more equitable and sustainable organic marketplace.

Moderator: Nathanael Gonzales Siemens

Speakers: Steve Fukagawa, Steve Fukagawa Farms; Ed Sills, Pleasant Grove Farms; Peter Martinelli, Fresh Run Farm

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This pre-conference panel explores how California can strengthen organic farm-to-institution pathways across higher education, K–12 schools, healthcare systems, and statewide advocacy efforts. Panelists representing UC campuses, school districts, hospital food programs, and policy leaders will discuss strategies to expand procurement of organic, regionally sourced foods while addressing barriers in distribution, pricing, and producer capacity. Through case studies and cross-sector dialogue, the session highlights collaborative models that support small and mid-scale farmers, advance equity, and build resilient supply chains. Participants will gain insights into scaling impact and driving systemic change across California’s institutional food landscape.

Moderator: Tim Galarneau, Center for Agroecology

Speakers: Agnes Martelet, University of California; Hèktor Calderon-Victoria, Center for Agroecology and Southwest Regional Food Business Center; Claire Tauber, Community Alliance with Family Farmers

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Efficient, reliable logistics are critical to the success of organic producers—especially those working at a small or mid-scale. This session will examine the unique challenges in transporting organic produce, from maintaining product integrity and meeting certification standards to navigating limited cold chain infrastructure and high transportation costs. Panelists will explore scalable solutions, regional models, and policy opportunities to improve logistics and support a more equitable, efficient organic food system.

Moderator: Ben Hartman, Pacific Produce

Speakers: Bianca Kaprielian, FruitWorld; Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou, Brisa Ranch

2:00 - 2:45 PM

As organic agriculture continues to grow, wholesale markets offer both opportunities and challenges for producers looking to scale. This session will dive into what it takes to succeed in the wholesale space—from meeting buyer expectations, volume and quality standards, and certification requirements to managing pricing, logistics, and consistency. Panelists include a venerable LA wholesaler paired with new LA wholesale leadership and a grower to share insights on building strong relationships, overcoming barriers, and expanding access to wholesale channels for organic produce and how to build strong, lasting relationships with distributors, and how to scale sustainably while maintaining organic integrity.

Moderator: Tim Galarneau

Speakers: David Weinstein, Heath and LeJeune; Nina Foy, Permanent Agriculture

3:00 - 4:00 PM

As demand for organic food continues to rise, procurement policies and practices play a critical role in shaping access and equity across the food system. This session will explore how institutions, distributors, retailers, and buyers can successfully source organic produce—especially from local and regional growers—while balancing cost, quality, consistency, and values-based sourcing supply chain reliability, and mission-driven goals. Panelists will share real-world strategies, procurement models, and partnership approaches that support both business success and farm viability. Panelists will discuss strategies for expanding procurement from diverse and regional organic producers, including innovations in contracting, aggregation, and regional sourcing.

Moderator: Cate Batson Baril, Rodale Institute

Speakers: Karen Salinger, Veritable Vegetable; Todd Linsky, Veg-Land; Nick Moless, Whole Foods Market; Jonathan Kitchens, Good Earth Natural Foods

4:00 - 4:55 PM

All moderators and panelists from the day will join together to discuss the future of the organic supply chain. What will the organic supply chain look like in 10-20 years if it succeeds - and what could cause it to fail? What role should organic agriculture play in building resilient food systems amid climate chane and geopolitical stability? We’ll explore how supply chains can better support BIPOC, immigrant, and beginning farmers, and where the greatest need for collaboration is across the supply chain that isn’t happening yet, and what decisions the industry is postponing that it can no longer afford to delay.

Moderator: Nicole Mason, Veritable Vegetable

5:00 - 7:00 PM

An opportunity for farmers and buyers to connect directly, exchange needs and offerings, and build relationships that strengthen the organic produce supply chain.