The three day Organicology Conference focused on the future of organic food and farming.
Trump’s immigration ban was a big topic of conversation among the hundreds of farmers, producers and food industry experts. Attendees sampled organic treats like romanesco broccoli and watermelon radishes as they discussed workplace culture and market trends. Perhaps the largest issue on attendees’ minds: labor, or a lack thereof. (The farm labor impacts of the ban were also the subject of a blog post Research Editor Kim Moore wrote last week).
Here are a few highlights from the eighth annual conference.
Listening to Oregon #farmshortage talk, California lemon farmer says he realizes how fortunate he is to be close to #Mexico #Organicology
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
To keep Trout Creek Orchards workers full-time amidst snow, Mike McCarthy outfitted workers with snow shoes. #Organicology #laborshortage pic.twitter.com/f0kYwPBrY9
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
Common theme for solving #laborshortage: Farms partnering with neighbors to share workers in winter = keep workers year-round. #Organicology
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
Audience concerns: Future of #H2A visa program and where to apply legislative pressure. Answer? “Everywhere.” #Organicology #laborshortage
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
Some farm managers look to @google for work culture design. #Organicology #laborshortage
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
Produce Consultant Mark Mulcahy says half of all U.S. households buy #organic. & 75% of consumers pick store by produce dept. #Organicology
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017
On profits: 2% increase customer retention = increase costs by 10%. A 5% reduction in customer loss can increase profits 25% #Organicology
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) February 3, 2017