The Organic Trade Association has chosen Julia Sabin of Smucker Quality Beverages, who most recently served as the OTA's v.p. representing the United States, to be president of the trade association for the coming year. She replaces Jesse Singerman of Prairie Ventures, who has completed a two-year term. Sabin's election was revealed April 26, at OTA's Annual Meeting, held in Chicago in conjunction with the 2008 All Things Organic Conference and Trade Show.

Other officers chosen for 2008-2009 were Matt McLean of Uncle Matt's Organics, Inc. as v.p. - U.S.A.; Dag Falck of Nature's Path as v.p. - Canada; Todd Linsky of Cal/Organic-Grimmway Farms as secretary; and Chuck Marcy of Healthy Food Holdings, LLC as treasurer.

Newly elected to the board for three-year terms were Sarah Bird, v.p. of marketing at Annie's Homegrown, and Melody Meyer, national director of procurement for fresh produce for Albert's Organics. Meanwhile, McLean was re-elected for another three-year term. The board also named Tony Bedard of Frontier Natural Products Co-op and Marcy to fill three-year terms, and Craig Weakley of Small Planet Foods, Inc., to fill a one-year vacancy.

The other members of the board are Helene Bouvier of Organic Ranchers/MOMA Trade Pool, Inc.; Lynn Clarkson of Clarkson Grain Co.; Jack Erisman of Goldmine Farms; Phil Margolis of Neshaminy Valley Natural Foods Distributor; Theresa Marquez of Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative; and Marty Mesh of Florida Organic Growers/Quality Certification Services.

OTA is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its over 1,700 members encompass growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, and retailers.