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SELLING SUMMER, ONE BITE AT A TIME

NUTURING RELATIONSHIPS AT THE ORGANIC PRODUCE SUMMIT

GROWING LEADERS FROM WITHIN

SMALL IDEAS, BIG IMPACT

RECOGNIZED FOR MILES OF SAFE DRIVING

THE ROAD TO BETTER EFFICIENCY

GROWING OUR ADVOCACY IN D.C.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OREGON LEADERS

A NEW CHAPTER FOR RADICCHIO

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GROWING TOGETHER

ORGANICOLOGY KEYNOTES

HI FRIENDS, Summer has a way of reminding us why this work matters. It’s the season when orchards in our region are heavy with fruit, fields are at their peak and the pace seems to quicken with the prolonged daylight and sunshine. For those of us in agriculture, it’s also a season of possibility, one that rewards months, and often years, of careful planning, collaboration and faith in what the future can become. As I reflect on the stories in this Summer Update, I’m struck by a common thread. None of them are really about trucks, packaging, conferences or marketing campaigns. They’re about people choosing to invest in something bigger than themselves. • A coworker asks if there’s a better way to reduce plastic waste. • A transportation team tests emerging technology that could make our fleet more efficient. • We open our doors to researchers, policymakers and community leaders because stronger relationships build stronger food systems. • We gather at events with partners who share our commitment to advancing organic agriculture. • And we tell the story of summer fruit in a way that reminds people why they fell in love with fresh produce in the first place. None of these efforts happen overnight. They require curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to keep learning and, sometimes, make mistakes. They also require optimism, a belief that the future is worth tending. That’s something agriculture has always understood. Every seed planted, every organic acre cared for and every investment we make in our people and our business reflects confidence in tomorrow. We may not know exactly what the next season will bring, but we continue showing up, caring, supporting each other and doing our part to grow something meaningful. Thank you for being part of that work. We’re grateful to be on this journey together, and we hope the stories that follow leave you as inspired and hopeful as they leave us.

With gratitude,

Brenna Davis CEO

TRUST PROTECTOR COMMITTEE Candidate Forum

October 8th, 8:30 – 9:30 am PDT Join us for this virtual forum and help shape our next trust leadership team. You’ll learn more about current Trust Protector Committee members, the upcoming election process, meet the candidates and have a chance to ask questions. Candidates will be announced soon. RSVP Today to Save Your Spot!

IN THE FIELD

SELLING SUMMER, ONE BITE AT A TIME Summer fruit isn’t just delicious, it’s emotional. This season, OGC launched a new marketing campaign built around the nostalgia of summer’s most memorable flavors. Rather than leading with varieties, our creative focused on something we all recognize: the simple joy of biting into perfectly ripe fruit. Think juicy, organic peaches eaten over the sink. Sweet nectarines that require a napkin. Watermelon shared at backyard gatherings. Grapes grabbed by the handful. The kind of produce that creates memories as much as meals. The campaign is coming to life all summer long through photography, videos, buyer insights and storytelling shared across OGC’s Produce Report, social media channels and in-store merchandising resources like ripening display signs. “We want to celebrate the fleeting flavors of the season while encouraging retailers, chefs and shoppers to enjoy every bite and make the most of it while it lasts,” said Krista Kinder, OGC’s VP of Marketing and Communications.

“By connecting produce with joyfully messy, nostalgic summer moments, we’re helping customers tell a richer story, one that reminds people why they fell in love with summer-ripened fruit in the first place.”

IN THE FIELD

NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS AT THE

ORGANIC PRODUCE SUMMIT

Every July, since 2016, the organic produce industry has gathered in Monterey, California, for the Organic Produce Summit (OPS), one of the year’s most important opportunities to connect, collaborate and look ahead with the people and partnerships that keep our food system moving forward. This year, ten OGC coworkers represented our company, spending three days reconnecting with grower partners, networking, learning, exploring new business opportunities and catching up with friends from across the organic supply chain. From the trade show floor to early morning meetings and evening networking events, the week was filled with opportunities to strengthen relationships that support our business year-round. The week also included a special moment for OGC as CEO Brenna Davis delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Cultivating Connections: Women’s Networking Event. Drawing on generations of women in her own family and the growing influence of women across agriculture, Brenna shared an optimistic vision for the future of organic, one rooted in hope, resilience and community. As she reminded the audience, “The future is worth tending.” Our booth looked a little different this year, too. Rather than leading with the OGC name, we put our trusted Ladybug Brand® front and center, creating a bold, colorful space that sparked conversations and a few “I didn’t realize Ladybug was OGC!” moments. It was a fun way to celebrate one of our most recognizable brands and our commitment to eco-packaging. The team came home with fresh ideas, new connections and a glimpse of trends shaping the future of organic produce. We’re already looking forward to next year.

It’s a great opportunity to host an in-store promotion, farm tour, special menu, social media campaign or community event. The shared goal is simple: inspire more people to discover and choose organic.

Organic Week returns in September bringing together farmers, retailers, restaurants and organic advocates across Oregon and Washington to celebrate the people and practices that make our region’s organic food system thrive.

The Oregon Organic Coalition and Tilth Alliance are building a regional calendar of events and activities, and we’d love to see OGC customers, suppliers and friends represented throughout the week. Watch for details about the Organic Farmer Appreciation event on September 20. Head to OGC’s blog to learn more.

LEAIDING WITH PURPOSE

Growing

LEADERS FROM WITHIN OGC coworkers are amazing, diverse, experienced and deeply committed to our mission. We’re thrilled to announce seven leadership advancements for folks who’ve helped make OGC the company it is today. Learn more about their new roles and what they’re looking forward to most in this next chapter.

AUDRA THIEBOUT

Director of Sales

“I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned in sales and across the company into this role and find new ways to support OGC’s growth and my team.” The role: Leads the sales team with a focus on making sure both our internal and external customers get the very best care and attention. AT OGC SINCE 2016

JASON SMITH

Director of Value-Added Services “My position is geared toward growth for the organization, and I’m excited to see where valueadded services can support OGC in the future. That’s probably what gets me the most jazzed. I also think about my team members a lot, and I’m looking forward to creating opportunities for them.” The role: Oversees value-added programs, including repack, quality assurance, grower support, packaging innovation, data integrity, new products and more. WITH OGC FOR NEARLY 17 YEARS

RACHEL PIENOVI

Purchasing Manager

JULIE CONNORS

“The part I’m most excited about is managing the team. Our Buyers are mostly self-directed; I’m looking to find the balance of supporting people while also letting them be independent. I’m also looking forward to taking work off Mike Neubeck’s plate so he can focus on his new role. My first priority will be reviewing and improving our processes, while also acknowledging that in produce buying, even the best decision has to adapt as things change.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to grow, take on new challenges, support my team and continue learning in this next chapter of my career. I’ve always enjoyed the problem-solving side of finance, and this role allows me to build on the experience I’ve gained over the years while continuing to support the work that keeps the business running smoothly.”

The role: Leads the daily operations of the purchasing team to make sure OGC has the necessary product for our accounts and overall business operations.

The role: Guides the finance department, supporting accurate financial reporting and creating OGC’s financial strategy.

AT OGC SINCE 2010

AT OGC SINCE 2016

MIKE NEUBECK

Director of Accounting

SARA PARKS

VP of Sourcing

Sales Manager

“I’m looking forward to being more engaged with long-term planning for OGC and connecting with teams in new ways. The depth and scope of some of my coworker relationships have changed because now they’re reporting relationships, and I’m more involved with resourcing and planning with them.”

“I get to support the success of a sales team that’s performing at a high level—to help people grow in their careers and take on new things.”

The role: Leads OGC sourcing, pricing, product innovation, quality assurance, repack and production teams.

The role: Leads the sales team, responsible for providing account reporting and analysis, performing account visits and maintaining strong partnerships. AT OGC SINCE 2016

AT OGC SINCE 1997

KENNY CLARK

Director of Transportation “There’s so much to look forward to! I’m eager to work with the team and help coworkers grow their skills to the next level.” The role: Leads the transportation team, making sure that we’re providing efficient, on-time service for customers. AT OGC SINCE 2023

BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT OGC

Small Ideas

BIG IMPACT

Some of OGC’s best sustainability ideas begin with coworkers who notice something that could be done better. Two recent projects are proof.

THOUSANDS OF GLOVES. A SMALLER FOOTPRINT. Every day, OGC coworkers in Quality Assurance and Repack use disposable gloves as part of our food safety program. It adds up to thousands of gloves every week. When Quality Assurance coworker Eben Denton-Walker discovered a woman-owned supplier offering biodegradable gloves that break down in landfill conditions, he brought the idea forward. After hands-on testing the product, OGC made the switch. Since late April, we’ve purchased nearly 70,000 biodegradable gloves, replacing traditional disposable plastic gloves with an option that helps reduce our longterm environmental impact without changing our food safety standards.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” said Mike Dill, Director of Sustainability and Advocacy. “Everyone plays a role in making it happen. We’ll take a good idea and build a process around it.” RETHINKING BANANA WRAP Another idea started with a simple question. Banana pallets destined for a refrigerated journey to our retail customers are wrapped in layers of plastic to protect the fruit from chill damage during transport—think of it as insulation. This is standard practice, but OGC’s Chris Nelson wondered whether all that plastic was necessary for the deliveries to Portland-area customers.

Quality Assurance Lead, Brandon Loveland, gets a pallet of GROW Bananas ready for an OGC customer.

Instead of accepting the status quo, the banana team began experimenting. Over time, they tested different approaches before asking the simplest question of all: What happens if we don’t wrap the pallets on Portland routes? During the first four to six hours after leaving OGC’s ripening rooms, the bananas remained protected without the plastic wrap. After a successful pilot with a few customers, OGC expanded the program this spring to more than 60 Portland-area delivery stops. “Bananas are one of our most important items, and we’re paying close attention,” said Chris. “If anything changes, we’ll adjust quickly. But if it works the way we think it will, this becomes the new normal.” The change eliminates a significant amount of plastic wrap from OGC’s Portland banana deliveries while maintaining the quality customers expect. These projects may seem small on their own, but together they reflect something bigger: a culture where coworkers are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas and keep improving.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT OGC

RECOGNIZED FOR MILES OF

Safe Driving OGC Transportation Safety Specialist Noah Rutland poses with a 3rd Place Great West Safety Award from the Oregon Trucking Association. This award recognizes safety excellence in the trucking industry. Congratulations to all OGC Drivers, and thanks for everything you do!

THE ROAD TO Better

EFFICIENCY

Moving fresh organic produce across the West takes more than dedicated drivers and dependable equipment. It also takes a commitment to continually finding smarter, more efficient ways to do the job. Over the past year, OGC has continued investing in newer, more fuelefficient tractors while retiring older equipment. The latest generation of automatic transmissions is helping improve fuel economy, with many trucks now averaging more than 7 miles per gallon, and some reaching 8.3 mpg on California routes. New trailers are also equipped with aerodynamic “top kits” that reduce drag and squeeze even more efficiency from every mile. Those improvements may sound incremental, but they add up. Every gallon of biodiesel and diesel saved lowers operating costs and reduces our emissions while helping keep fresh organic produce moving to customers throughout the West.

WE’RE ALSO EXPLORING WHAT COMES NEXT In June, OGC became the first company in Oregon to road-test an electrified refrigerated trailer from California-based Range Energy. During the two-week pilot, the 48-foot trailer traveled routes to Boise, Bend, Seattle and throughout the Portland metro area. Unlike a conventional trailer, the Range eTrailer helps propel itself forward with an electrified axle, reducing the amount of work required from the tractor. It’s designed as a bridge technology, one that can improve fuel efficiency today while the trucking industry continues advancing toward fully electric vehicles and expanded charging infrastructure. One of the key questions we’re exploring is how much fuel the technology can save under real-world operating conditions. Range Energy estimates its system can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 40%. For OGC drivers, the difference was immediately noticeable. “It feels like the trailer is helping,” said Jesse Shrader, Transportation Support Lead. “That’s as quick as I’ve ever come to highway speed.” Assistant Transportation Manager Richard Dupraw had a similar reaction. “I could feel the propulsion,” he said. “It drove like a bobtail.” Whether it’s investing in more efficient equipment or testing innovative new systems, we’re always looking for practical ways to reduce fuel use, lower emissions and strengthen the resilient supply chain that connects organic farms with the communities they feed.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Growing Our Advocacy IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

For decades, OGC has advocated for organic agriculture alongside partners like the Organic Trade Association. This summer, we took an important step in broadening our relationships by participating in the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) annual Washington Conference for the first time. CEO Brenna Davis and Director of Sustainability & Advocacy Mike Dill joined produce industry leaders from across the country for three days of policy discussions, education and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“We’re in the produce industry together. The more we can work together to encourage more people to reach for fresh produce, the greater the opportunity is to grow organic,” said Brenna. “And it’s important for organic to be at the table during policy discussions.” The conference centered on the issues shaping the future of fresh produce, including labor, food safety, nutrition, specialty crops, packaging policy, trade and the next Farm Bill. While perspectives around the table varied, one theme emerged: collaboration is essential to building a stronger, more resilient food system. “It’s important to listen and look for alignment opportunities with the broader produce trade,” said Mike Dill. “We have the opportunity to share the organic perspective, challenge assumptions or simply find common ground. That’s how progress happens.” As part of the conference, the IFPA Organic Committee also met with California Representative Jimmy Panetta to advocate for two timely priorities: releasing federal organic certification cost-share funding (which was restored in late June) and filling five vacant seats on the National Organic Standards Board. Priorities important for supporting certified operations and maintaining trust in the organic marketplace. A highlight for the OGC team was an informal visit to the USDA National Organic Program office with peers from Fruit World,

During a break in the week’s activities, members of IFPA’s Organic Committee toured USDA headquarters. They joined National Organic Program Deputy Director Dr. Jennifer Tucker for an informal lunch and conversation about the future of organic agriculture. Pictured from left to right: Amanda Felder, Earthbound Farms; Mike Dill, OGC; Dan Langager, Northwest Horticulture Council; Dr. Jennifer Tucker, National Organic Program; Emily Musgrave, Driscoll’s; and Bianca Kaprielian, Creekside Organics.

Driscoll’s, Earthbound Farm and the Northwest Horticultural Council, for lunch with Dr. Jennifer Tucker and members of her team. The conversation reinforced the value of maintaining strong relationships between organic leaders, regulators and the broader produce community. For OGC, the conference underscored an important reality: many of the challenges facing organic agriculture are shared across the produce industry. By engaging with new partners while continuing our longstanding work with the Organic Trade Association, National Organic Coalition and others, we’re helping ensure that organic remains part of the conversations shaping the future of food.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Building Relationships WITH OREGON LEADERS

This summer, we opened our doors to policymakers, researchers and business leaders, giving them an inside look at OGC’s approach to moving organic produce from farms to communities across the West. The more people understand how food moves from farm to table (the middle of the supply chain), the stronger the partnerships become and the better positioned we all are to grow the organic agriculture movement. Each tour offers a chance to introduce people to OGC’s operations, from receiving and re-pack to food safety to transportation, cold-chain logistics and the complexity of distributing fresh organic produce across the western United States.

THESE CONVERSATIONS HELP BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. We see OGC as a resource for policymakers, researchers and educators who are looking for a deeper understanding of the food system. By sharing our experience and inviting leaders into our operations, we’re helping connect the realities of agriculture, logistics and organic production with the decisions that shape Oregon’s ag economy.

We welcomed Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson and Deputy Director Lindsay Eng, Oregon Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, OSU’s Food Science Department Head Lisbeth Goddik, and a Legislative tour hosted by Oregon Agricultural Trust and East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District to learn about ag’s economic impact on East Multnomah County.

NOTEWORTHY

A NEW CHAPTER FOR Radicchio “A beautiful tribute to radicchio and the people who grow it.” — Alice Waters, author of We Are What We Eat

We love seeing our longtime partners share their passion for produce, and this fall, one of our favorite vegetables gets the spotlight it deserves. On September 29, Radicchio: A Celebration of the Beloved Italian Vegetable arrives in bookstores, celebrating the colorful, complex chicory that has captured the hearts of chefs, growers, grocers and home cooks alike. Written by Portlanders Lane Selman and Margarett Waterbury, with stunning photography by Shawn Linehan, the book traces radicchio’s remarkable rise from an overlooked, “too bitter” vegetable to a standout on restaurant menus, grocery shelves and winter dinner tables across the country. That renaissance didn’t happen by accident. Lane, founder of the Culinary Breeding Network and a longtime OGC collaborator, spent years championing radicchio, working with seed breeders, growers and OGC, to connect chefs, grocers and eaters around this extraordinary crop. Whether you’re a cook, gardener, produce professional or simply curious about one of the most beautiful vegetables in the field, this is the first comprehensive book devoted entirely to radicchio, and one we’re counting down the days to read. Congratulations to Lane, Margarett and Shawn on this delicious accomplishment! Click here to pre-order the book and look for Lane and Margarett at signing events and The Sagra del Radicchio e Fagioli on Oct. 24.

NOTEWORTHY

Celebrating 50 Years OF GROWING TOGETHER Flash back to 1976. A group of grocers, farmers, food makers, environmentalists and cooperative-minded visionaries gathered with a shared belief: if they learned from one another and worked together, they could build a stronger regional food system. That gathering became the Provender Alliance. Fifty years later, Provender continues to connect with the people and businesses growing the natural and organic food movement across the Pacific Northwest, and OGC is proud to have been part of that community since the beginning. This October, we’ll help celebrate Provender’s 50th Annual Conference & Gala at McMenamins Edgefield, joining longtime partners and new voices for three days of learning, conversation and community. If you’re attending, you’ll find OGC throughout the conference. The education begins with a tour of OGC, offering attendees a look inside the Portland facility that helps connect organic farms with retailers, restaurants and communities across the West. • Find us at the Welcome Mixer at Wayfinder Beer at The Highlands, where we’ll be celebrating one of the Northwest’s most distinctive crops: radicchio. Alongside Radicchio authors Lane Selman and Margarett Waterbury, we’ll be serving chicory-inspired salads to bring their new book and this vibrant category to life. • During the conference, OGC leaders will lend their expertise to conversations that are central to the future of regional food systems. Lucas Crawford, Senior Account

Representative, will share logistics insights on How do we build a regional supply chain that works for everyone? a panel exploring what it takes to build a strong regional supply chain from farms and food hubs to distributors and the often-overlooked “last mile.” Together, panelists will discuss how collaboration, infrastructure and innovation can create a more resilient food system for everyone. • OGC’s Jeff Fairchild and Mike Dill will participate in From Farm to Shelf, a workshop designed for produce buyers, merchandisers and retail leaders. The session will explore practical merchandising strategies, consumer trends, supply chain integrity and the importance of maintaining trust in the USDA Organic label, equipping retailers with tools to strengthen their organic programs and better serve shoppers. • In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, OGC is especially looking forward to Finding Joy in the Work, a conversation celebrating the women whose care, resilience and leadership continue to shape agriculture. The panel will feature farmers from diverse backgrounds sharing the challenges, purpose and hope they find in growing food and stewarding the land. We hope you’ll join us. Provender has spent five decades proving that strong relationships build strong food systems. We’re honored to celebrate that legacy, and excited to help shape what comes next. Learn more about the conference and registration at Provender.org.

NOTEWORTHY

LAND, FOOD & THE FUTURE:

Organicology 2027 Keynote Speakers Announced Join us in welcoming our keynote speakers to the Organicology 2027 line-up! Representing community land stewardship, tribal agriculture and national organic policy, these leaders will bring unique perspectives on the future of organic food and farming:

Qiddist Ashé | Co-Founder &

Executive Director, Black Oregon Land Trust Qiddist is helping build pathways to land access, food sovereignty and ecological stewardship for Black communities across Oregon. Through Black Oregon Land Trust, she is advancing a model of communityheld land stewardship rooted in resilience, reciprocity and care for the land.

SIGN UP NOW! Organicology brings together farmers, researchers, advocates, businesses, policymakers and community leaders to explore the future of organic agriculture. LEARN MORE

General Manager, Yakama Nation Farms Jonalee is leading efforts to steward Yakama Nation Farms, helping advance food sovereignty, strengthen Treaty Rights and expand access to locally grown food through one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest agricultural operations.

Jennifer Tucker, Ph.D. |

Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program

Jennifer helps to lead the USDA National Organic Program, overseeing policies and programs that support organic producers and maintain trust in the organic label nationwide.

Registration for Organicology 2027 is officially open!

Krish Srinivasan | President &

Secure your spot early and join the community shaping the future of organic agriculture.

Jonalee Squeochs | Interim

CEO of PCC Community Markets

As the leader of the nation’s largest community-owned food cooperative, Krish brings a unique perspective on building resilient food systems, mission-driven organizations and values-based leadership.

Organically Grown Company appreciates the leadership, experience and guidance provided by our dedicated Board of Governors, the SFAPPT Trust Protector Committee and Trust Enforcers.

ARE YOU AN OGC CUSTOMER, GROWER, INVESTOR, COMMUNITY ALLY OR COWORKER? If you fall into one of these groups, you have the opportunity to influence how our business is run by becoming a Qualified Stakeholder. Learn more and submit an Expression of Interest

TRUST ENFORCERS Andy Westlund | Scio, OR Kate Danaher | Nevada City, CA

organicgrown.com

Mike Neubeck | Eugene, OR 15