News Release
Contact: Barbara Haumann (413-774-7511, Ext. 20)

GREENFIELD, Mass. (April 2, 2008)-The Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2008 Annual Fund campaign 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 OTA's vision to bring organic to the next level of growth and sustainability by industry members working together on issues and goals.

"We had a record year," said Julia Sabin (Smucker Quality Beverages), co-chair of the OTA 2008 Annual Fund Host Committee and OTA Board Vice President - U.S. "OTA is engaged in promoting and protecting organic agriculture and trade on so many fronts, and our supporters know how important OTA is to their businesses. Working together through OTA, we can have a greater, more positive impact on the future of our industry."

"I think word of OTA's successes continues to spread throughout the organic business community," added Host Committee Co-Chair Tony Faudel (United Natural Foods). "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."