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Posted: April 23, 2008

Nanotechnology in food systems - diverse agenda announced for The Organic Summit
(Nanowerk News) The 2008 Organic Summit today announced its slate of speakers for its summer conference to be held in Boulder. The opening keynote speaker will be Daria Myers, global president of Origins Natural Resources. Closing the conference will be Seth Goldman, president and TeaEO of Honest Tea, and Michael Ohmstede, senior vice president of business development venturing and emerging brands at Coca-Cola North America.
In keeping with the theme, “Cultivating Innovation and Transparency in the Organic Community,” this year’s program includes discussion and debate on nanotechnology, domestic fair trade, developing a sustainability scorecard and social investing in organic. A leader-level working forum, The Organic Summit will offer plenary and breakout sessions, tours and special events for up to 250 industry leaders. The event will take place June 25-27, 2008, at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa. It is produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, in partnership with the nonprofit Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).
“This is a conference where the audience complements the program. We've made every effort to reflect the diversity of the organic community in putting this program together," said Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the OFRF. “Now we are turning our attention to attracting an audience that reflects every corner of the organic universe as well," he added.
Opening keynoter Myers has had a much-celebrated career with the Estee Lauder Companies. She was a founding member of the team that created the wellness-based beauty brand Origins. Myers left Origins for three years, during which time she held senior positions at Aveda. She returned to Origins in 2002 and continues to be integral in the development of Origins Organics. Myers’ talk will address the changing corporate landscape and organic.”
Closing keynoter Goldman co-founded Honest Tea in 1998, introducing the first certified organic bottled tea. Today, Honest Tea’s entire product line is certified organic, and Honest Tea is the best-selling brand of bottled tea in the natural foods industry. Last year, Goldman launched Bethesda Green, a private-public partnership to promote sustainable living in Bethesda, Md., where Honest Tea is based. Joining Goldman at the podium will be Michael Ohmstede in a presentation titled “Maintaining the Integrity of an Organic Brand When Coca-Cola Calls.”
Other selected speakers include Andy Fischer, Community Food Security Coalition; Sonja Tuitele, Aurora Organic Dairy; Samantha Cabaluna, Earthbound Farms; Cate Baril, TransFair USA; Esther Park, RSF Social Finance; Dr Kater Hake, Cotton Incorporated; Joe Mendelsohn III, ICTA; Michael Hanson, Consumers Union; and Kristen Kulinowski, Rice University.
Other session topics planned for the 2008 event are:
  • Organic on the Edge
  • Lawyers Are Our Friends …Really
  • Nanotechnology in a Food System Near You
  • Speed D(eb)ating: Domestic Fair Trade
  • Sustainability Scorecard
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    Sponsors to date of The 2008 Organic Summit are companies considered organic groundbreakers: Horizon Organic, SILK, Origins Organics, Albert’s Organics, Clover Organic Farms and Jacobs Farm–Del Cabo. For sponsorship information, visit http://www.theorganicsummit.com/promotions/index.cfm.
    The Organic Summit returns for a second year to downtown Boulder with a compelling agenda of speakers, seminars, and special events, including the Fifth Annual OFRF Midsummer’s Eve Organic Benefit Reception and Dinner. To register, visit www.theorganicsummit.com.
    Source: Penton Media Inc.