WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
OFA held its Annual Meeting and Reception on June 22 at 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT via Zoom. The annual meeting included a short review of OFA’s work in 2021 and what we are looking forward to in 2022. The reception featured a presentation and discussion with ORGANIC FARMER and USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt, for a lively conversation about her family’s California organic farm, how she got involved in government, and why it is important for organic farmers to get involved in policy!
Watch the OFA Annual Meeting!
OFA ANNUAL MEETING
7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific: Welcome by David Colson, President
– Introduction of our new Governing Council & Policy Committee members.
– Thank you to outgoing members.
7:15 PM: Overview of 2021 -Kate Mendenhall, Executive Director
RECEPTION
7:30 PM: Introduction of USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
7:35 PM: USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
7:50 PM: Q&A with Under Secretary Lester Moffitt
8:00 PM: Adjourn
Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
Jenny Lester Moffitt has roots in organic farming, which she brought to her work in California and now in Washington, D.C.
Jenny Lester Moffitt was confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA last fall and is responsible for facilitating trade and setting national and international agricultural standards, including the National Organic Program (NOP).
Jenny is a 5th generation farmer, who has established a successful career in agricultural policy. She managed her family’s organic walnut farm for ten years and then served as Undersecretary and Deputy Secretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for six years before being asked to come to Washington, D.C. and work for the current administration. Her experience and roots in organic allow her to understand the needs of both farmers and consumers and how both are essential to a strong organic movement.
Jenny’s father transitioned the family’s walnut farm to organic in 1989 and became certified organic in 1992. She says, “Growing up and helping run my family’s walnut farm showed me just how valuable the USDA is to farmers, processors, and consumers. I developed a passion for agriculture, farmers, and the food system, so I’ve always wanted to work in agriculture.”
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