Meet OGC Mission Fund Recipient: Organic Farming Research Foundation
The organic industry needs curious people asking smart questions. Look no further than Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), the premier research, education and advocacy organization supporting our industry.
Organically Grown Company Promotes Brad Stark to Vice President of Sales
Fourth-generation produce professional brings decades of sales experience, organic industry expertise and a lifelong connection to agriculture to key leadership role.
Organically Grown Company’s Mike Dill Receives Organic Trailblazer Award
Mike Dill, Organically Grown Company’s (OGC) Director of Advocacy and Sustainability, received the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) Organic Trailblazer Award during OTA’s Organic Week in Washington, DC, last week. This award recognizes individuals forging new paths and creating meaningful impact in the organic industry.
Organic Leaders Honored at Organic Week 2026 in Washington DC
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) honored eleven individuals for their longstanding commitment to advancing the organic movement during last night’s annual leadership awards event. Held at OTA’s Organic Week conference in Washington, D.C., the awards ceremony recognized industry leaders for driving and sustaining the growth of the organic sector on farms and in their communities, while prioritizing the benefits of organic agriculture for people and the planet. Awards were in categories for Organic Leadership and Organic Lifetime Achievement.
Harvesting Wisdom: Setting the Stage for Fall
As the days grow shorter and the summer heat gives way to crisp fall air, your produce department is ready for its seasonal transformation.
Merchandise to Make “What’s for Dinner?” Easier
Convenience matters: washed, trimmed, pre-cut, steam-ready and meal-ready options make fresh produce easier to choose and prepare. The opportunity for retailers? Take a little of the thinking out of dinner.
Radicchio & Chicory Toolkit
With shoppers searching your department for the new and novel, the time is right to bring in a rainbow of organic radicchios and chicories. Ubiquitous in Italy, these vibrant, bitter greens have been becoming a popular addition to salad bowls in North America too. The Northwest crop kicks off in October and extends into winter for the perfect opportunity to bring shoppers an exciting alternative to lettuce during cooler months—though these leaves are also at home on the stove.
One Stop Shop for Lunchboxes & Snack Attacks
September means packed lunches, after-school hunger and the daily scramble for something quick everyone will actually eat. With more than half of shoppers looking for healthier choices, fresh produce has plenty of answers for lunchboxes, snack drawers and everything in between. Easy to grab, pack and snack? Produce understands the assignment.
Mushroom Toolkit
Mushrooms are having a moment. For the last few years, shoppers have had a growing awareness of how mushrooms can help them work towards their overall health and wellness goals. They’re packed with nutrition, and are versatile, tasty and satisfying. Plus, fungi are fascinating!
OPS Awards winners recognized for innovation, sustainability
The Excellence in Sustainability Award recognizes sustainable farming practices, carbon reduction, water conservation or circular economy initiatives. The Organically Grown Company won for commitment to environmental stewardship that goes above and beyond.
Bite-Sized Fruit. Big Kiwi Energy.
Kiwi berries are one of those fleeting Northwest crops that make September-October produce departments a little more interesting. Smaller, sweeter and more aromatic than their fuzzy cousins, they’re an easy snack with no peeling required. Think lunch boxes, snack packs, smoothies, fruit boards, salads or simply eat them by the handful.
Pear Toolkit
The Northwest pear season has arrived with plenty of showstoppers, from crisp and juicy Asian pears to well-loved varieties like Bartlett and with lesser-known varieties like Forelle soon to come.
Help Your Team Sell Organic with Confidence
To help you build confidence in that role, OGC is partnering with the Oregon Organic Coalition on September 23 from 9–11 AM for a FREE virtual training, Strengthening Organic Retail Through Merchandising, Education & Integrity.
Apple Toolkit
A crisp feeling in the air and the crunch of leaves underfoot are classic fall feelings, but autumn needs a quintessential crisp and crunchy fruit to go with it. To make sure your department matches the season, OGC has a steady stream of delicious and unique apple varieties all fall long. With over 60 varieties throughout the season, celebrate the harvest by promoting fan favorites and bring in special heirloom varieties to help your department or menu stand out.
Back to Routine Starts in Produce
As summer winds down and life picks up speed, shoppers are getting back to packed lunches, quick breakfasts, after-school snacks and the nightly question: What’s for dinner? That's where the produce department shines.
Fresh, organic produce naturally meets the moment. Peak-season fruits and veggies are flavorful, snackable and ready to work across breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks and weeknight meals. They make eating well feel just a little bit easier, and tastier.
A Bunch Beyond the Basics
September hits the sweet spot for organic grapes. California fruit is still rolling in while Northwest vineyards are hitting their stride, bringing some of the most flavorful and interesting varieties of the year. It’s a great time to go beyond red and green and build a grape display that invites shoppers to discover something new.
Don’t Rush the Season
We get it. September is coming. The coffee shops are rolling out the pumpkin spice lattes, and school is back in session in a few weeks. But for the produce department, there’s still a whole lot of summer left to sell.
Meet OGC Mission Fund Recipient: Clackamas Community College Organic Farming Certificate Program
If you’ve ever wondered where the next generation of organic farmers is coming from, look no further than Clackamas Community College’s (CCC) Organic Farming Certificate Program. This one-year program focuses on following the seasons and giving students hands-on farming experience while building the practical business skills they need to run a successful farm.
Go Bananas for GROW Month
GROW stands for Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers, a program created by Organics Unlimited to support the communities where its fruit is grown. Every case of GROW bananas contributes $0.60 to the program.
2026 Summer Update
Our latest Update for Friends of OGC is here, filled with stories about the people, partnerships and ideas helping us grow the organic agriculture movement.
Inside, we’re celebrating the gloriousness of summer fruit, coworkers stepping into new leadership roles, small ideas making a big sustainability impact and how we’re exploring new technology that’s hitting the road.