It all started at a conference in Daventry about 3 years ago which was attended by the great and the good (and the rest of us!) from the organic industry. The one clear message that came out of that conference was that the organic industry needed to speak with one voice and communicate simple, clear messages about organic to all and sundry to help maintain the fantastic growth that had been witnessed in the previous few years. Although the Food & Drink Federation had an Organic Interest Group within it’s organisation, it was seen to be large industry focussed and the grass roots was calling out for more!

This led to a meeting in North London in July 2007 at which the Organic Trade Board was formed and its first committee was elected by all those attending the meeting.

The Organic Trade Board is a not for profit limited company and it’s directors are:

• Lizzie Vann-Thrasher – ex-Chair of the OTB
• William Lana – Vice-Chair of the OTB
• Chantelle Ludski
• Russell Smart

The Directors are elected by members of the OTB Committee. Each year, two Directors resign and are eligible for re-election for a period in total of five years. This election happens at the Annual General Meeting of the OTB in October of each year. A Director must be a Committee Member.
There are four Directors of the OTB, all with a specific responsibility for carrying out the needs of the members. These are:

• A Chair responsible for ensuring agreement and implementing objectives
• A Vice Chair responsible for creating member benefits
• A Director responsible for communication internally and externally
• A Director responsible for recruiting membership

The directors are not remunerated; all their work is voluntary.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

The UK organic industry has needs beyond those provided by certification. The OTB exists to try and meet those needs. We are supported by the Soil Association, and have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Soil Association. We are committed to working with all UK organic certifiers, to advance the reach and influence of the organic industry and build on its success.
At the outset, the OTB intends to act as a voice for its members with these audiences:

• Consumers – simple, accessible info and materials about the benefits of organic. We will work on increasing organic purchasing and ensure organic demand doesn’t ebb away as household incomes feel tighter.
• Press – a Rapid Response service to pressing news issues and media enquiries, always making a strong, straightforward case for organic. A bank of spokespeople from all sectors of the organic industry.
• Government – lobbying to retain the distinctive nature of our organic industry, with greater recognition by regulators such as the FSA and on issues such as GM, pesticides and organic integrity. It will be our job to keep applying pressure to make sure the word ‘organic’ is properly regulated wherever it appears
• Certifiers – we will be working to build bridges and have everyone pull behind the same simple messages – the growth and integrity of certified organic food and products.

Ultimately, our objective is to double the value of the market for organic products within the five years from 2008 to 2013 and provide a robust voice to make ourselves heard in a world where organic is still in the minority. To do this, we need a pro-active, involved membership base – in short, WE NEED YOU! Please join the OTB today and help us to achieve these objectives.