OTA Fund Campaign Draws Over $630K

The Organic Trade Association said yesterday its 2008 Annual Fund campaign has surpassed its goal of $600,000, raising more than $630,000 to help fund OTA's public policy, marketing, and public relations efforts planned for 2008.

The theme for this year's fund campaign was "Today. Tomorrow, Together, Organic," reflecting Greenfield, Mass.-based OTA's vision to bring organic to the next level of growth and sustainability by industry members working together on issues and goals.

"I think word of OTA's successes continues to spread throughout the organic business community," said host committee co-chair Tony Faudel of United Natural Foods in a statement. "OTA members and non-members alike were motivated to give knowing OTA's priorities for the Farm Bill, Canadian Organic Standards, and new marketing initiatives are critical to seeing more growth for organic."

In the OTA 2008 campaign, more than 225 companies pledged funds to support OTA's work. OTA has approximately 1,665 members, the majority of which are small businesses. In fact, over 40 percent of OTA's current members report less than $100,000 in annual revenue from organic sales. Over 60 percent of OTA members report less than $1 million in annual organic sales.

"These funds will be crucial as OTA continues its ambitious agenda for the year. All investments, big and small, make this campaign a success," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's executive director, in praising the all-volunteer host committee for its key role in reaching a record achievement for the campaign.
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds