Organic Trade Association

General information

About OTA:
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America. Founded in 1985, OTA is the leading voice for organic agriculture and trade in the United States, representing over 7,000 businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. Organic products represented include organic foods, ingredients and beverages, as well as organic fibers, personal care products, pet foods, nutritional supplements, household cleaners and flowers.

OTA’s member organic businesses work together through networking, advocacy, and other initiatives to encourage and protect organic farming practices, and to share messages about the positive environmental and nutritional attributes of organic products with consumers, the media, and policymakers.

Mission:
OTA’s mission is to promote and protect organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy.

Vision:
OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment.

We, as members of OTA:
- Have established organic trade on a foundation of common organic standards
- Work in harmony with the environment, promoting sustainability
- Recognize the need for organic agriculture to be economically viable
- Work to protect the diversity of life
- Recognize the interdependence of all parts of the organic community
- Understand that organic farms are the foundation of the organic industry
- Seek out and use whole system approaches to agricultural and business practices
- Support the human right to knowledge and choice in the marketplace