The Organic Trade Association is creating a task force to address organic fraud, and while it has a good mission and backing from a few U.S. senators, it lacks an important thing.
OTA and the organic industry as a whole need to involve more mainstream retailers.
The traditional grocery store remains the primary place most consumers buy organic fruits and vegetables, and it continues to be a growing part of retailers’ business.
Any task force, standards board or promotion plan for organics ought to involve the people and companies with the closest connection to most consumers.
The Packer addressed this in an editorial this week.
An important point we’re making is that the organic produce industry needs to act like the big business that it is, and that means partnerships with the most important retail groups.