The expanding use of technology by organic growers, regardless of the size of their operation, will be the topic of an educational session at the upcoming Organic Grower Summit. “Technology Is Not Just For Big Ag” will focus on making new technologies accessible for organic growers through a variety of business models aimed at making operations more efficient and sustainable.
The Organic Grower Summit, slated for Dec. 12-13, in Monterey, CA will feature a series of intensive and educational sessions focused on organic growing. “Technology Is Not Just For Big Ag”will explain technology advances including asset sharing, robotics and one of the most talked about information systems, blockchain. Panelists for the session will discuss the issues associated with bringing technology to smaller organic growers and how the industry can work together to help these technologies take root and scale.
Panelists for the session include: Brian Dawson, co-founder, CEO, Harvestport; Raja Ramachandran, co-founder, CEO, ripe.io; and Diane Wu, co-founder and CEO, Trace Genomics.
The session will be moderated by Hank Giclas, senior vice president, Western Growers
“Blockchain technology and secure data will enable organic growers to better engage with the consumers and environment to facilitate a more transparent and truth based system, opening new business opportunities for farmers and food value chain stakeholders,” Ramachandran said.
The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members and government and educational members. Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast, and lunch and trade show floor.
Participating grower attendees have an opportunity to meet with a team of Costco buyers as part of a special “Meet the Grower” opportunity. This unique session provides certified organic farmers and grower representatives the opportunity to meet face to face with Costco organic produce, dairy, meat and wine buyers to discuss their operations and products.
Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pair of additional activities: the 2018CannaBus Tour from 8 a.m. – noon on Wednesday, Dec. 12 and the CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm.
Over 60 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS and the trade show floor is sold out. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
For further information about OGS 2018, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.