PORTLAND, ORE. - January 13, 2009 "“ With a growing recognition that over the next decade the world's agricultural and food systems landscape will change dramatically, the sustainable food systems advocates behind the Organicology conference, set for February 26-28, 2009, in Portland, Oregon, are dedicating the first day of the conference to an intensive course on implementing sustainability. This program is included in the overall agenda for registered Organicology participants or as a single day break-out session for anyone involved in any aspect of food and agriculture, including grocery retail, foodservice, farmers, manufacturers and distributors.

Lectures, panels and interactive workshops will educate and inspire business leaders on the ideals and practices of integrating sustainability into their operational models. Business strategist and environmentalist Gil Friend, president and chief executive officer of Natural Logic, Inc., will kick-off the day addressing what science is telling us about the earth's capacity and systems, challenging participants to reflect upon the question, is their businesses prepared? In addition, Friend will lead an interactive workshop on the principles of sustainability and systems thinking in business design. Participants will learn and discuss the foundational frameworks needed for building and communicating the basics of sustainability and pick up practical tools to evaluate day-to-day practices.

Frederick Kirschenmann, Ph.D., a Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, will present research on the specific ways food and agriculture is likely to be impacted by climate change, increasing energy prices, water issues and other trends. He will speak to the continued challenges and the role of the organic and sustainable agriculture movements in leading us towards new models.

The day's learning will be complemented by a panel of four leaders in organic industry who will share know-how on executing sustainable practices in their distinct business environments. Panelists include: Elysa Hammond, ecologist and founder of sustainability programs at Clif Bar; Albert Straus, founder of Straus Family Creamery; Diana Crane, sustainability director at PCC Natural Markets in Seattle; and Ron Katz, founder of Organic Apparel.

The cost for this one-day Sustainability Business Intensive is $400. Registration includes all meals and special events offered that day as a part of Organicology. For more information or to register online, visit www.tilth.org/organicology or call 503.378.0690. Students and farmers are encouraged to call and inquire about the potential for discounted admission.

About Organicology:
Recognizing the educational needs of the ever growing organic and sustainable food and farming trade, Organicology was founded by four organizations leading the organic revolution: Oregon Tilth (www.tilth.org) the nation’s premiere certifier for organics, and a nonprofit research and education membership organization dedicated to biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Organic Seed Alliance (www.seedalliance.org) supports the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. The Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association (www.ftsla.org) works to foster sustainable business practices in the organic food trade through educational programming and annual reporting by member businesses. Employee and grower-owned Organically Grown Company (www.organicgrown.com) is the largest organic fresh produce purveyor in the Pacific Northwest, and dedicated to promoting the health and vitality of the region through organic agriculture and a thriving sustainable food system.

Organically Grown Company

Organically Grown Company

Founded in 1978, employee and grower-owned Organically Grown Company (OGC) is the largest organic produce distributor in the Pacific Northwest. From locations in Oregon and Washington, OGC works with more than 300 growers and vendors to market and distribute produce to over 900 retail, wholesale and restaurant customers throughout the greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. OGC’s trademarked LADYBUG brand represents more than 30 Northwest, family-owned, organic and Salmon-Safe certified farms and is sold in markets across the United States and Canada. OGC has been recognized as a leader in sustainable business practices including sourcing 100% renewable energy in facilities, operating their own Clean Air certified truck fleet, support for fair trade and charitable giving. Their mission is “Promoting health through organic agriculture as a leading sustainable organization.”

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