2026 Winter Update for Friends of OGC

HELLO FRIENDS,

This update finds us at the midpoint between winter and spring. Daylight is beginning to stretch, and the first signs of spring are quietly taking hold. It’s a time traditionally associated with renewal and intention-setting, and when farmers look ahead: selecting seeds, making plans and preparing for the season to come, even while the ground still rests. Winter, in this way, is not an ending, it’s a beginning. A period of gestation, reflection and careful preparation.

In 2025, that meant meaningful growth and bold steps forward. We welcomed Johansen Ranch™ into the OGC family, safeguarding a historic organic citrus orchard and deepening our connection to the land. We embraced “lean” operational practices to improve efficiency and accuracy for our customers. We proudly brought Organicology® back after a five-year hiatus, expanded our services into new markets and helped seed the growing Purpose Trust Ownership Network here in the U.S. We closed the year strong, doing so with integrity, creativity and care. That effort has energized us as we step into the new year, rooted in what we’ve learned and hopeful about what lies ahead.

Thank you for being part of OGC’s community. In this Winter Update, we invite you to connect with our people, our purpose and the work we’re carrying forward together. And, at this seasonal midpoint, we invite you to consider what seeds you’ll be tending this year, personally, professionally and in your communities. Our most sincere hope is that they blossom in ways that care for people, planet and the future.

In gratitude,

Brenna Davis CEO

CITRUS SEASON:

Weathering the Start, Looking Ahead

Citrus season began last November, with forecasts putting harvests nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. But as is often the case in farming, the season quickly reminded us who’s really in charge.

A dense and persistent fog over California’s Central Valley and heavy, widespread rain settled across much of the state making it difficult for crews to get into citrus orchards to hand-pick delicate specialty fruit like mandarins and clementines.

The early season weather challenges made certain specialty items especially harder to come by, but thanks to our many grower partners, OGC has had organic citrus to bring to market, and supply remained consistent for core citrus items.

Citrus is a bright spot for shoppers during the winter months, and this year is no exception. Now halfway through the season, we’re optimistic with drier weather ahead.

Citrus is a long game, and OGC offers nearly 60 certified organic varieties from November through April. The weeks ahead will bring some exciting arrivals, with more than a dozen small, round, orange standouts (and sometimes pink or red). Look for organic kumquats, Kishu, Gold Nugget, Pixie, Tango, Daisy, Murcott and TDE mandarins, plus Navel oranges, Blood orange, Valentine pummelo, Minneola tangelo and a new variety for us this year, organic Shiranui mandarins.

This season also marks a transition on the OGC buying team. Rachel Pienovi stepped in to lead citrus category management following the retirement of longtime OGC Buyer Don Mayfield. Rachel brings 25 years of produce buying experience, including 15 years at OGC.

“All the variety in the citrus category makes it exciting and fun for our customers,” Rachel shared. “I’ve worked with many of our citrus suppliers in other categories, so it’s been great to build on those established relationships.”

When Rachel’s not surrounded by citrus, you can find her managing our specialty grape, melon and fig programs.

Reflecting on the citrus season so far, Rachel added, “It’s been humbling. It’s taken a lot of flexibility and out-of-thebox thinking when it comes to loading and logistics. I’ve really leaned on OGC’s Logistics team. Their responsiveness and expertise have been invaluable in navigating harvest changes and getting fruit up the road.”

Like the growers we work with, every season requires endurance, adaptability and trust in what’s ahead. We’re grateful for our farming partners’ resilience and for the teams working behind the scenes to keep citrus moving. With strong demand, exciting varieties still to come and better weather here, the rest of the season is shaping up deliciously.

LEARNING FROM THE ORCHARD

Our first season at Johansen Ranch reminded us that farming rarely follows a script. After months of preparation and citrus ripening on the trees, a prolonged fog and rain reshaped harvest plans, just as it did for citrus growers across California.

As weather conditions improved, harvest followed, and we delivered sweet organic Navel and Blood oranges in the New Year.

Experiencing a challenging harvest season firsthand strengthened our appreciation for the patience, skill and resilience required to farm and reminded us that standing with growers through every season matters.

Kolo Kai Organic Farm Raises Remarkable Rhizomes EXCLUSIVELY FROM OGC

In the New Year, many folks shift their focus to healthy eating. In addition to plenty of fruits and vegetables, the edible rhizomes of the Zingiberaceae family offer a slew of health benefits, with their spicy, zingy, earthy and piney flavors. Ginger, turmeric and galangal are known to reduce inflammation, aid digestion and provide loads of antioxidants, making them a great fit for this season of healthy eating and cold kicking.

The freshest and juiciest of these roots come to OGC from Kolo Kai Organic Farm on the North Shore of Kauai and have become a cult favorite at grocery stores and juice bars up and down the West Coast.

In 1990, Ben and Colette Ferris started growing organic fruits and vegetables, primarily to provide themselves with plenty of healthy produce. Over time, they started selling more to health food stores and farmers’ markets, but in 1999, Ben and Colette decided to switch gears and focus on growing great ginger and turmeric. Soon, they were shipping their delicious roots to the mainland and growing their production to meet demand.

A few practices make Kolo Kai’s products extra special. The farm adds a hint of ocean water when they irrigate the root crops, which adds minerals to the soil, makes the crops sweeter and helps with pest control without over-salinating the soil. All their products are also harvested and packed to order, rather than being stored, so they’ve been out of the ground for less than a week by the time they hit grocery store shelves.

Each crop is carefully managed and available on a seasonal schedule based on its own properties. Galangal is available all year but challenging to grow because of its size—it has to be harvested with a forklift. White ginger is more susceptible to disease, and there’s a demand for it when it’s young for sushi and pickling, so it has to be harvested first. Turmeric, on the other hand, will stay good in the ground, which helps extend its season.

In their home, Ben and Colette add ginger and turmeric to everything from smoothies to baked goods. They use galangal in soups with coconut milk or add a few slices to the pot when cooking rice or quinoa.

With most of their products now available, it’s a great time to seek them out to add some warmth and a nutritional boost to winter meals.

YELLOW GINGER

JANUARY–MARCH

FLAVOR: Warm, Spicy, Peppery

TURMERIC

NOVEMBER–SEPTEMBER

FLAVOR: Musky, Peppery, Slightly Bitter

WHITE GINGER

OCTOBER–JANUARY

FLAVOR: Floral, Citrusy, Zingy

GALANGAL

JANUARY–MARCH

FLAVOR: Warm, Spicy, Peppery

Advocacy in Action FROM THE NW TO DC

OGC welcomed Oregon State University’s Organic Agriculture Program team and legislative representatives for a conversation on the program’s priorities, statewide impact and the shared ground food and farming create across communities.

Building trust in the organic seal and standing up for the farmers and businesses who earn it is at the heart of OGC’s year-round advocacy work, both here in the Pacific Northwest and in the nation’s capital. With Oregon and Washington now underway with their short legislative sessions, the window for action is narrow and the stakes are high.

In Washington, OGC is working alongside our allies at Tilth Alliance and the Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) to help build a strong business case for public investment in an Organic Action Plan led by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This plan would identify barriers to organic production, strengthen organic infrastructure statewide and prioritize support for diverse and underserved farmers—making sure organic agriculture can continue to grow and thrive in Washington.

In Oregon, lawmakers are grappling with a significant revenue shortfall tied to reduced federal funding and recent tax changes. As budget gaps come into focus, Oregon State University’s agricultural sciences programs are at risk—public service programs that play a critical role in organic research, education and farmer extension support. OGC is partnering with the Oregon Organic Coalition and organic business leaders across the state to support policymaker’s understanding of the full value of organic agriculture to Oregon’s economy, environment and rural communities, as well as how OSU’s services support the organic and sustainable ag sector.

Advocacy isn’t a side project at OGC, it’s core to our mission. By showing up consistently, sharing realworld supply chain insights and standing shoulderto-shoulder with our partners, we’re working to protect the integrity of the organic seal and secure a stronger future for organic farmers.

Celebrating Coworkers WHO’VE

GROWN WITH OGC FOR 25+ YEARS

One of the things that makes OGC truly special is the people who work here. From countries near and far, and with vastly different life experiences, we wouldn’t be who we are today without each of our coworkers.

Today, we’re introducing a special group: some of the coworkers who’ve been at OGC for more than a quarter of a century. Find out what’s kept them here all these years.

Brian Keogh, Buyer & Co-Chair of OGC’s Stakeholder Giving Committee

HIRED: 1995 HIRED: 2000

“The people. The friendships that I’ve made through the years have kept me going. And the food is top rate, it’s some of the finest out there! So yeah, getting all that good grub to the people is definitely motivating.”

“OGC has forever changed my paradigm of thinking, and it keeps my activism going at the same time. I really owe a lot to OGC in many ways— my home, my family, my lifestyle, my ability to be in Eugene and to have a healthy, prosperous, dignified job. I love it honestly, I don’t even know how else to say it.”

Brian Brandon, AM Warehouse Supervisor

HIRED: 1996

Scott Kirkpatrick, Sales Account Representative

“I really believe in organic produce and what we do and how we do it, so it’s easy to be passionate about that. I also like the company culture and have made good friends here. I think if I was selling something else, it wouldn’t be as exciting.”

HIRED: 2000

Corey

Spoden,

Transportation Logistics Lead

“I love what I do. One of the main things for me is the people—both the people I get to work with at OGC and my customers. Anytime I go to a farm is really rewarding and fulfilling. And, you know, I feel good at the end of the day—I’m making the world a little bit better by moving organic produce to the people.”

HIRED: 1999

JoshBuyerSpoden,

“The coworkers I’ve worked with have always been thoughtful and good people. And I’m a believer in eating organic produce, I love the access to it. It’s always been fun to get the product to the people as quickly as possible.”

Lucas

HIRED: 1996

HIRED: 1997

Mike Neubeck, Director of Purchasing & Chair of the SFAPPT Trust Enforcers

“I like the product, the people and that OGC trained me and helped me start a good career in truck driving.”

Crawford,

Senior Sales Account Representative

“My job is dynamic; that keeps it interesting. There are a ton of perks and benefits. And I like working with my friends every day. For the most part, a lot of the folks I work with have been here quite a long time (some even longer than I have!).”

HIRED: 2000

Shane Green, Driver

“I love produce, seasonality and learning about how things grow. There are so many stories about everything that comes through our door. I also like the mission and the emphasis on positive relationships with accounts, coworkers, our community and vendors—I really like the people.”

HIRED: 2001

RafaelWarehouseAguirre, Lead

“Everything! I like the people, the puzzle of stacking orders on a pallet, that we appreciate people for their work and that we care about everyone.”

Growing a Better Future THROUGH STEWARD

Did you know that 68 companies across 28 states have now adopted a purpose-trust ownership model? What started by OGC as a bold experiment in 2018 is becoming a real succession solution for mission-driven businesses, a data point we’re excited to watch grow.

Nearly eight years ago, OGC became one of the first U.S. companies to transition to a Perpetual Purpose Trust, making our purpose our owner and locking in our mission.

SHARED OWNERSHIP.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.

SHARED VOICE.

OGC’s ownership model is built on participation and accountability. Through the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust, our stakeholders, which include coworkers and the farmers, customers and community partners who work with OGC are invited to help guide the future of the company.

By becoming a Qualified Stakeholder, you gain the opportunity to:

• Participate in Trust leadership elections

• Receive the annual Benefit Report

• Raise concerns if Trust principles are not being upheld

If you believe in transparent governance and long-term stewardship of organic food systems, we invite you to take the next step and apply to become a Qualified Stakeholder (it’s easy!)

OWNERSHIP

Our trust, the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust (SFAPPT), exists to ensure OGC operates in service of sustainable agriculture, healthy food systems and the people who make them possible for future generations. What this means is:

• OGC’s profits are reinvested in the business, shared with coworkers and donated to missionaligned partners

• There’s no incentive to sell out or extract shortterm gains

• Governance is participatory, values-driven and designed to outlast founders

On February 5th, the SFAPPT hosted its annual stakeholder gathering as a virtual meeting open to OGC investors, customers, suppliers, coworkers and mission-aligned community allies. We shared:

• How we’re helping grow the trust-ownership movement, including a founding investment in the Purpose Trust Ownership Network.

• Updates on OGC’s business and culture

• Ways stakeholders engage directly with trust governance

Next year’s SFAPPT meeting will take place in person during the Organicology® gathering! Until then, if you’re a business founder or leader thinking about succession, values preservation or alternative ownership structures, here are a few excellent resources for information and inspiration:

• Purpose Owned

• Trust Ownership Center

• Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative

• SFAPPT

• About OGC

At OGC, we believe that businesses don’t have to choose between values and viability. Sometimes, they just need a “trusted” owner.

LEADERSHIP Spotlight

OGC’s CEO Brenna Davis is earning national and local recognition for her leadership and impact. Brenna was recently named to the Portland Business Journal’s 2026 Women of Influence list, honoring leaders shaping the future of businesses, nonprofits and the public sector across our region.

She was also ranked #10 on Big Path Capital’s 2026 MO100 Top Impact CEO list, which recognizes 100 leaders who are using business to drive meaningful social and environmental progress.

Since joining OGC in early 2022, Brenna has guided the company through thoughtful growth and diversification while staying firmly rooted in our mission and purpose. These honors underscore the momentum behind OGC’s strategy: thoughtful growth, strong partnerships and leadership rooted in stewardship of the environment and organic agriculture.

We’re proud to see Brenna recognized alongside so many inspiring leaders, and grateful for the values-driven direction she brings to OGC every day.

ORGANICOLOGY IS HAPPENING

-18, 2027

If you care about where organic is headed, Organicology 2027 is one event worth planning for. While details are still taking shape, what hasn’t changed is the heart of the gathering: bringing together the people who grow, sell, study and stand up for organic.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

If you’ve never been, this is your invitation to be part of the experience. We’re also beginning conversations with sponsors who want to help make this event possible. Reach out early to explore opportunities and share ideas. Find out more or get involved at organicology.com or contact organicology@socialenterprises.net

Save the date and watch for updates on keynote speakers and early bird registration this summer.

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

BOARD

Bianca Kaprielian | Oakland, CA

Brenna Davis | Portland, OR

Brian Rohter | Hood River, OR

Cathy Calfo | Santa Cruz, CA

Darren Nakata | Portland, OR

Edmund LaMacchia | Soquel, CA

Humberto Maldonado | Portland, OR

Maia Larson | Eugene, OR

You can learn more about their experience and accomplishments at www.organicgrown.com/ourboard

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 PROTECTOR COMMITTEE

David Lively | Eugene, OR

Everet Chenevert | Portland, OR

George Siemon | Viroqua, WI

Joe Rogoff | Guerneville, CA

Natalie Reitman-White | Kimberley, BC

TRUST ENFORCERS

Andy Westlund | Scio, OR

Kate Danaher | Nevada City, CA

Mike Neubeck | Eugene, OR organicgrown.com