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TABLE of CONTENTS 2

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MISSION FUND BENEFITS 84 ORGANIZATIONS

A DEEP-ROOTED LOVE FOR WINTER VEGETABLES

ORGANIC IS THE ANSWER

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 5TH ANNUAL TRUST GATHERING

A CONVERSATION WITH DANIELLA VELAZQUEZ DE LEON

RECOGNITION OF A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT

ORGANIC ADVOCACY IN OREGON: ACCOMPLISHMENTS & LESSONS LEARNED

H I E VE RYO N E , I hope this update finds you enjoying the obvious and hidden treasures of fall. For me, that means wandering off-trail foraging for chanterelles. I’m a mushroom hunter, a hardcore mushroom nerd and an environmental scientist. I love everything about fungi, particularly their role in connecting the natural world through a vast underground mycelial network. It’s nature’s ingenious way of linking the forest and sharing nutrients; an interconnectedness I see in the organic community. Just as mycelium nourishes the woods, we all thrive through the support and collaboration within the organic movement. I recently had an opportunity to network with peers through One Step Closer, a community of sustainable leaders in the organic and natural products space who work together to support each other and our environment. At gatherings like this, I witness this intricate web of life that connects the organic family. The bounty of the fall is incredible — more treasure from the earth and our dedicated farmers. We’re hustling to get harvests to market and help our customers win on quality and selection. Northwest grown grapes, melons and apples were the stars of in-store tastings. We also launched a new PSA-style campaign to educate consumers about the many benefits of choosing organic (see page 8). Finally, the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust, which owns OGC, marked its fifth anniversary with an in-person gathering for stakeholders in mid-October. We share highlights of the day in the pages ahead, along with links to recordings for each session. I hope you’ll take in the wisdom shared by our speakers. I’m proud of the OGC team and our supply chain partners for showing that the purpose trust model can be successful. We’re committed to sharing our success within our own mycelial network and growing the organic movement. Have a delicious and happy holiday season.

BRENNA DAVIS CEO

giving back

OGC Strengthens the Organic Supply Chain & Builds Resiliency with Annual Mission Fund

OGC is committed to prioritizing purpose in addition to pursuing profits, and giving back is part of our DNA. In 2018, when we became the first purpose trust-owned company in the United States, we took the opportunity to incorporate distributing prosperity into our bylaws through a Mission Fund. Our success is deeply intertwined with our growers, customers and allies. Without them, OGC wouldn’t be where it is today. When the company has a strong year, OGC’s Mission Fund grows. So, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to pay it forward and make a positive impact through Mission Fund grants. November is a meaningful time to reflect and give thanks and the perfect time to announce that OGC is awarding over $200k in Mission Fund grants to 84 organizations. Grants will benefit 12 farms, 12 OGC customers, and 60 nonprofits from Fairbanks to San Francisco. Since launching in 2020, OGC’s Mission Fund has invested in organizations near and far dedicated to some of the biggest challenges of our time, including the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, equitable food systems, clean waterways and organic agriculture. The fund also supports fresh produce donations to those who need it most. In November and year-round, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable groups whose tireless efforts bring about positive change each and every day. With deep humility we stand beside them, proudly supporting their missions.

Our Mission Fund invests in organizations or projects dedicated to: Promoting small and medium organic farm viability Supporting OGC’s growers, handlers and customers. We target projects that increase the resiliency and viability of our farmers and customers, strengthen our relationships or address barriers to a consistent supply chain Preserving farmland Educating youth about organic agriculture and connecting them to organic food Increasing the accessibility of organic food to underserved or underrepresented communities, including emergency relief efforts Building equity in our regional farm and food system by supporting underserved or underrepresented communities including those who identify as Black, persons of color, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ Addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, preserving the natural environment and protecting natural resources Improving access to organic seed and varietals

Meet four of the amazing organizations we’re excited to support in 2023. You can find the complete list of this year’s Mission Fund grant recipients in OGC’s Newsroom.

Co-op Market Grocery & Deli, Fairbanks, Alaska Co-op Market and Grocery is the first retail food co-op in Alaska, and on a mission to make their community healthy, happy and prosperous through access to nutritious food and education in an open, community-centered environment. The co-op will use their Mission Fund grant for much-needed updates to their produce department.

Wakulima USA, Kent, Washington

Camas Swale Farm

Wakulima means “farmers” in Kiswahili, and this Seattle-area nonprofit’s founding members are Kiswahili-speaking Africans. Wakulima is a farming and food business cooperative that advances small business development and food sovereignty for low-income African immigrants and people of color in the Puget Sound region. A 2023 Mission Fund grant renews OGC’s investment in their work and will support general operations.

Camas Swale Farm, Eugene, Oregon Camas Swale, a family-run vegetable farm, champions organic farming and conservation. They’ve planted 800+ native shrubs and trees for wildlife in hedges. With a Mission Fund grant, they aim to bolster sustainability by adopting solar power and acquiring compost, showcasing their commitment to a greener future.

Black Oregon Land Trust, Corbett, Oregon

Black Oregon Land Trust

A Mission Fund grant will support work to ensure that Black communities in Oregon have secure and affordable land access and sustainable agricultural skills. OGC’s unrestricted donation will help fund educational programs for youth and families focused on sustainable agriculture and financial wellbeing. 5

in the field

DEEP-ROOTED Love for WINTER VEGETABLES When it comes to root vegetables, the real magic happens below ground, and the organic beets, parsnips, rutabaga and turnips grown by Montecucco Farms shine. Fourth-generation farmer Jason Montecucco carries on his family’s legacy of cultivating vegetables year-round in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. His organic winter root vegetables are known for their exceptional quality and flavor, earning a loyal fan base across the country. “Jason’s crops are top-notch; our customers here in the Northwest and nationally ask for Montecucco-grown roots every year,” said OGC Buyer Jess Hardin. “There aren’t many that grow roots better west of the Mississippi. Jason goes to great lengths to deliver high-quality roots, selected and grown for excellent flavor and long storage, resulting in a product that’s both reliable and delicious.” Jason’s experience runs as deep as the roots he grows on the fertile fields he’s dedicated to these humble crops for over 20 years. He knows every contour of his land and every secret the soil holds. Sustainability and organic farming practices are at the core of Jason’s philosophy, and he uses crop rotation, cover cropping and composting to maintain soil vitality and health. Root vegetables absorb nutrients from the soil, fortifying them as some of the heartiest, healthiest foods you can find in the fall. Harvesting between rain showers and navigating freezing temperatures, Jason and his crew are hard at work bringing in a vibrant and earthy root crop. With meticulous and intentional handling, his hardy crop can stay fresh for months and keep us well-nourished through the fall and winter. “Our region’s cooler, near-freezing fall temperatures help develop deeper flavors for a sweet and nutty taste that people enjoy this time of year,” said Jason. “We get satisfaction giving people a product they like - we take pride in our quality, and we want our customers to be happy.” We’re proud to help grow the Montecucco Farms organic root program. Be sure to reach out to OGC to order these delicious beets, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips for your eaters. They will undoubtedly be the stars of holiday tables and the foundation for many cozy meals in the coming months.

Jason’s crops are topnotch; our customers here in the Northwest and nationally ask for Montecucco-grown roots every year. – JESS HARDIN, OGC BUYER

The original good for people, good for planet choice.

In October we launched “Organic Is the Answer,” a public service awareness campaign that’s all about sharing the benefits of organic agriculture. Our aim is to increase demand and build trust in the organic label. We’ve been listening to the requests from our customers and suppliers, who are asking for help telling the organic story to shoppers. Like us, they want people to understand what it truly stands for, and why it’s the gold standard.   At the heart of the campaign is a bright, bold website created to wake people up to the benefits of organic agriculture, inform those confused by the sea of food labels and build trust in the USDA organic label. Visitors can expand their understanding of climate-smart, soil-regenerating, non-GMO organic agriculture through simple language and engaging tools created for retailers, community allies and eaters. A fall schedule of Organic Is the Answer advertising in major NW cities, social media and public relations was geared towards reaching and influencing eaters. This campaign is intended to be evergreen, with ongoing pulses in the coming months and years. With a website and resources shared as tools for everyone, it’s intended to serve the entire organic food industry, teachers, parents and the community at large in any way it can be useful. To date the campaign website has earned over 3,600 visits and all campaign touchpoints combined have reached over 1.3 million people. The campaign is building buzz within the industry. Requests are pouring in for presentations and collaborations from the Organic Trade Association, the USDA National Organics Program and organic brands large and small. Organic is our mission and our passion. We want everyone to know that organic farming and food is one of the best ways to champion biodiversity and nurture soil health, sequester planetwarming carbon and safeguard the health of our community. Be sure to pickup your Organic is the Answer merch and shop for good.

Organic IS the Answer, we hope you’ll help us spread the word!

trust update

CELEBRATING THE PROGRESS of Purpose Trusts

& THE ORGANIC MOVEMENT “There’s nothing like being in the presence of one another,” was the message Joe Rogoff, Chair of the Trust Protector Committee, shared as he welcomed stakeholders to the 5th Annual Gathering of the Sustainable Food & Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust in mid-October. The gathering featured a canvas of updates from the Trust and OGC leaders, and experts from the organic trade and steward ownership movement. Highlighted are a few special moments to give you a flavor for the day. The event was recorded to make the information accessible to those not able to attend. Click on the links on the following pages to view recorded content. One of the most important elements of the trust is the engagement of a stakeholder community; people with a vested interest in the success of OGC, the trust and the organic movement. Only through the stewardship of stakeholders do we fully achieve our purpose.

Required Viewing!

A CONVERSATION WITH DANIELLA VELAZQUEZ DE LEON Trust Protector Committee member Kim Gibson Clark hosted a candid conversation with Daniella. They delve into what it was like for her growing up in the family business and initially pursuing a different career path. Daniella also shared how the organic community played a pivotal role in guiding her back to her roots. The conversation is nothing short of heartwarming and inspiring. She pays tribute to her mother, Mayra, recognizing her outstanding accomplishments. Daniella shares her first-hand wisdom on succeeding as a woman in the agricultural industry, offering valuable insights to young women like herself aspiring to break barriers. Moreover, she addresses the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community in an industry where 78% of farmers self-identify as Hispanic. In recent years, banana growers have faced some tough times. Daniella sheds light on the strategies they’ve employed to not only survive but thrive. From pooling resources and increasing efficiency to evaluating their operations, she explains the hurdles they face, especially with pricing that often falls below the cost of production. She also addresses the disconnect between what consumers say they want, and the true, fair price required to sustainably achieve it.

Watch Kim’s conversation with Daniella, share it with your team and others in your network!

Daniella Velazquez de Leon is more than just a banana supplier; she’s a purpose-focused leader growing the organic movement, showing that age, gender and background should never limit our potential to make a difference. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of social change.

Introducing DANIELLA VELAZQUEZ DE LEON Daniella Velazquez de Leon is the General Manager of Organics Unlimited, OGC’s one and only banana supplier. As a Mexican-American and female in a predominately male industry, Daniella stands out as a living, breathing produce unicorn. But what makes her even more remarkable is that she’s at the helm of a women-led produce company, defying norms and breaking barriers. She’s not just shaping the future of her family’s fourth-generation Mexican farming legacy; she’s paving the way for countless others.

Daniella’s grandfather started the banana company in 1974, the first to import organic bananas to the United States. OGC was Organic Unlimited’s first customer and first partner in their G.R.O.W. program, dedicated to raising funds to support social change in and around the banana-producing communities.

trust update

DAVID LIVELY

HONORED WITH OGC AWARD

Lifetime Achievement

“ WHEN I SET OUT TO DO THIS, I WROTE A

LETTER AND INCLUDED FIVE GOALS. ONE OF THOSE WAS TO CHANGE THE WORLD. There are many ways to describe David Lively: An originator, legend, philosopher and hero. A mentor, icon, dear friend, a self-proclaimed freak, storyteller and truth-teller. Those were just a few adjectives shared by OGC CEO Brenna Davis when appreciating David for his life’s work and dedication to the organic movement and honoring him with the OGC Lifetime Achievement Award. The OGC Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes not only his past contributions but also his ongoing dedication to the organic movement. David has made an indelible mark in our trade. He’s an inspiration for others in the company and field and reminds us to dream big and be fearless.

Organic Advocacy IN OREGON

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & LESSONS LEARNED If you’re new to the organic community, we offer a short master class on the collaborative foundation of Oregon’s organic trade, led by none other than the dynamic-duo, Oregon Tilth Executive Director Chris Schreiner and OGC Co-founder and Pioneer Emeritus David Lively. They journey back 30+ years, sharing purposeful moments that sculpted the movement’s foundation like the Organic Builds a Better Oregon initiative, the creation of Oregon Organic Coalition in 2005 and Organically Grown in Organic Week. Learn how the stage was set and how working together as a sector is having a powerful and lasting impact today. Want to watch more videos from the Trust Gathering? Click here.

“We were very small mice casting a larger shadow onto the wall.”

”

trust update

MEET THE TPC Candidates As this update goes to press, the SFAPPT’s Trust Protector Committee election is in its final moments. Qualified Stakeholders had the chance to share their voices and vote. Meet this year’s candidates.

George was the founding CEO of Organic Valley/ CROPP Cooperative.

I’m very pleased to be here and part of this process. I think this is incredibly exciting – to work on alternative ownership models and try to avoid the trap that ownership and valuation can bring. A particular feature that I believe ownership should have is multiple stakeholders. That’s the experiment today. It’s not a requirement for trust ownership, it’s the choice OGC made. I don’t think there’s anything more important than multi-stakeholders. I’m very happy to be part of this process.

GEORGE SIEMON Joe has been in natural foods since 1975. He started a co-op that was acquired by Whole Foods and became the Regional President for Whole Foods in the PNW and Western Canada.

When the trust was being formed, and they reached out to ask if I’d be a part of the TPC, I was very excited about what trust ownership could bring. As an insider in organic and natural for so long, I saw so many of the companies that I admired being gobbled up as the founders sold and lost their true commitment to the organic movement. That is tragic, and it doesn’t need to be that way because there’s alternative ownership, as we are demonstrating. So, I love that part of this and want to continue doing it. The other part that I really enjoy is being supportive of the Board of Governors and OGC.

JOE ROGOFF 13

Meet OGC’s Board of Governors, a true group of organic leaders: Mike Bedessem from Hudson, WI; Cecil Wright from Viroqua, WI; Cathy Calfo from Santa Cruz, CA; Brian Rohter from Hood River, OR, and Maia Larson, from Springfield, OR. You can learn more about their experience and accomplishments at www.organicgrown.com/ourboard

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. Consider Submitting an Expression of Interest.

TRUST ENFORCERS Andy Westlund | Scio, OR Mike Neubeck | Eugene, OR

organicgrown.com 14

Kate Danaher | San Francisco, CA