Annual Benefit planned for May, will feature latest science on organic  

The Organic Center will hold the largest ever virtual organic celebration on May 26 to showcase the latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic farming, food and products.
 
Organic industry leaders and consumers will come together for the virtual event to celebrate the (in)credible science behind organic. The celebration will feature inspiring keynote speeches, informative research updates and organic recipe tutorials with influencer watch parties, raffle prizes, and ways to support sponsor companies and engage in the work of The Organic Center. 

“The Organic Center is committed to the pursuit and achievement of sound science for the public good. Its research empowers consumers and helps strengthen and expand sustainable farming to make organic even better by tackling critical issues like soil health, biodiversity and how organic can positively impact the environment and human health,” said Bob Kaake, Organic & Natural Technical Director at General Mills and member of The Organic Center’s Board of Trustees.
 
Kaake added: “By leading with science, The Organic Center is at the forefront showing how organic agriculture can be part of the solution to climate change. Please support The Organic Center so it can continue to provide ‘(In)credible Science, Credibly Sourced.’”
 
The virtual benefit will include live and pre-recorded program elements that feature the latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic farming, food and products. The consumer audience is expected to be large and diverse.
 
Dr. Tyrone Hayes, groundbreaking biologist and activist, will be one of a handful of inspirational keynote speakers. Fan-favorite celebrity Chef Megan Mitchell will create video tutorials with custom recipes created from sponsor products. The virtual menu will be shared in advance so attendees can follow along from home. 

The Organic Center’s biggest fundraising event  

The event will be held during Natural Products Expo West from May 24 to 26, and will be hosted on New Hope Network’s Natural Products Expo Virtual platform, which will also be the digital site for the organic community to access other virtual components of Natural Products Expo West. The Organic Center’s annual celebration has for 15 years been one of the most highly anticipated events at Expo, and is the single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center.
 
“We are very excited about our new venue for our benefit in 2021, and the potential to tell organic’s amazing story to a bigger audience than ever before,” said Dr. Jessica Shade, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to do things in new ways, and it’s made organic, and the research on organic, even more important.”
 
“At Organic Valley, we know the world needs more organic food. Research from The Organic Center shows the benefits of organic food and farming, and is essential to debunking myths and maintaining trust in the Organic seal. As a TOC board member, I believe funding this research is critical. The Organic Center continues to conduct and support innovative research on organic animal care, climate-smart farming practices, and more,” stressed Logan Peterman, Agricultural Data Scientist for Organic Valley and trustee for The Organic Center.
 
Current sponsors for the 2021 event are Albert Lea Seed House, Aurora Organic Dairy, Cal-Organic/Grimmway Farms, Danone, Firmenich, Lundberg Family Farms, New Hope Network, Organic Valley, Presence Marketing, Rogue Creamery and Whole Foods Market.

There are six levels of sponsorship available. Contributions support The Organic Center’s work and allow it to continue to be THE trusted resource for scientific reporting on agriculture and food. For details on how to sponsor the benefit, contact  Douglas Korb.