We’re on a mission to grow the
organic agriculture movement
Spring is in full swing as I write this, cherry blossoms are bursting and delicious, organic rhubarb, snap peas and asparagus are filling shelves and plates. Surrounded by all this spring goodness, I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude for all we've achieved together in 2023.
First and foremost, a huge thank you for your continued support and community. Despite challenges that came our way – like predictions of a looming recession – OGC stayed true to our roots and our mission, helping the organic farmers we all rely on get their fresh produce to market and serving our customers with everything we've got.
At the heart of what we do is the science-based knowledge that organic food and agriculture have the power to change the health of communities and the planet for the better. In this year’s Benefit Report, we’re sharing the impact OGC made through educational programs, giving back and our passion for working side-by-side with farmers and retailers to help them succeed.
2023 marked 45 years in business for OGC – over four decades of bringing organic produce to the people and growing the movement together. A massive shoutout to the original innovators of the organic trade whose fearless leadership paved the way, and to our dedicated growers, customers and community allies for your unwavering support and partnership. None of this would be possible without champions like you by our side.
Here's to another year of growth, innovation and making our world a little better, one organic step at a time.
Brenna Davis, CEO
planet-first
Grow Organic, Save the Planet
In 2023, 95% of the produce OGC sold was certified organic – which means safeguarding natural resources, keeping toxic chemicals off the land, easing emissions, storing carbon, regenerating soil and more. We get loud for organic!
And that’s not all. Lending a hand to organic farms and supporting them in their efforts to fight climate change is a big priority. We’re helping growers explore dry farming, test different crop varietals and implement sustainability projects right on the farm through our Mission Fund grant program. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together for a healthier planet.
When it comes to running the business, we’re all about green solutions - embracing technology and participating in programs that give products a second life. For OGC, sustainability isn’t just a word – it’s how we operate.
Water-Saving Growing Practices Build On Farm Resilience,
Deliver Deliciously Intense Flavor
Dry farming isn't a new idea—it's a time-honored tradition dating back thousands of years, cherished by Native American communities. But as climate change intensifies, with droughts happening more often and water scarcity a pressing issue, the allure of dry-farm methods is reaching new heights.
In 2023, OGC kicked off a project with longtime grower partner Joe Siri to market certified organic melons grown through dry farming and raise awareness of the water-saving technique. The experiment on Siri & Son Farms was meaningful because Joe had a parcel that didn't have water rights - another challenge for many growers, and a reason to explore dry farming.
Siri’s Willamette Valley farm field trials produced flavor packed Charentais, Crenshaw, Piel de Sapo, Sharlyn and Sugar Cube melons. An exciting benefit of water stress in melons is a flavor boost, and OGC customers embraced these water-smart wonders with open arms.
With successes and lessons from the trial, the team is fired up for the season ahead and another opportunity to get eaters excited about organic dry-farm melons. The tenacity of our growers is inspiring. Their ability to manage unpredictable weather events and figure out ways to refine their practices to farm smarter grows stronger every season.
As the planet continues to warm, the move to nurture moisture-retaining soil and farm with less water becomes more urgent. By working with universities and growers on dry-farming trails, OGC is not just cultivating crops —we're cultivating resilience.
"For OSU dry farming research to have any impact, we need farmers and wholesale marketers to adopt our recommendations. While melons and watermelons have a long history of being dry farmed, it takes innovative partners like OGC and their network of growers and customers to bring this crop to the Pacific Northwest.”
Matt Davis, Faculty Research Assistant, Dry Farming Project, Oregon State University Department of Horticulture
Green
Goodness
Avocado Sales Benefit
Small Farmers & Communities
Bananas with
a Cause
Education, Housing & Health Care
Funded with GROW Premium
Little Garden Farm,
Big Dream
Last spring, Joey Staub, OGC’s Product Innovation Manager, started up a multi-year project with Little Garden Farm in Corvallis, Oregon. This three-acre farm, run by the husband-and-wife team Dionilde and Beatriz Lopez Garcia, holds a special place in the region’s organic community and is proving to be a perfect spot for a partnership to experiment with varietals and plants.
Set up on land once cultivated by legendary organic farmers Tom and Elizabeth Denison, who were suppliers to OGC for three decades, Little Garden Farm holds a strong legacy of organic agriculture.
Dionilde's journey to farming started in Oaxaca, Mexico, and took root in Oregon when he joined Denison Farm at just 16 years old. For 17 years, he absorbed the intricacies of organic farming under the mentorship of the Denisons, learning everything from tending crops to navigating market dynamics. Beatriz and Dionilde met while working at Denison Farm and dreamt of starting their own farm.
Their dream sprouted when they showed interest in leasing the very land Tom Denison had first cultivated back in the late '70s. As the Denisons headed into retirement, Dionilde and Beatriz took the chance to carry on the tradition of organic farming for their family and the community.
OGC buyers have sourced crops from their small operation from the start. Back then, Little Garden Farm was awarded an OGC Mission Fund grant to support plant sourcing and experimenting with growing in-demand varietals.
Our collaboration with farms big and small shows our commitment to cultivating crops and relationships rooted in mutual respect and a passion for organic farming.
Small Acts,
Mighty Impact
We take our commitment to sustainability down to the micro and technical level. For example, the industry’s use of temperature loggers – a device that meticulously records temperature and humidity throughout the cold chain - is a necessary tool for quality control, but we want to make sure it’s not harming the planet.
Instead of throwing away these loggers once they’ve served their purpose, we collect them to take advantage of the manufacturers’ take-back programs, or we recycle them. Last year alone, we returned 256 pounds of temp loggers. It’s just one of the many ways we’re diverting trash from the landfill.
Our New Robot Coworker
In 2023, we brought in a Robopac S7 pallet wrapping machine, and it’s been a game-changer. It’s helped cut plastic wrap use by about 30%, playing a crucial role in reducing waste. Plus, it’s making life easier for our team by reducing the risk of back strain that can come with manual wrapping. We’re shaking things up, making life easier for everyone and helping the planet.
Sparking Savings & Sustainability
100% of the Eugene warehouse lights were upgraded to motion-activated high efficiency LEDs, replacing old fluorescent fixtures and bulbs, and it’s already making a difference. The place is brighter when coworkers are present and lights are off when they’re not, and we’re anticipating savings of roughly $3,966 a year on energy and another $1,382 on maintenance. We’re using less energy and doing every little bit we can for the environment.
Rescuing Resources, Reducing Waste
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of who we are. From practicing Zero Waste, buying renewable energy credits and implementing creative solutions like using ammonia for cooling our Portland facility to the organic produce that’s core to the business, sustainability is at the center of our operations.
We like to push boundaries and get even scrappier to find new ways to reduce and reuse.
purpose-led
Changing the Game for Good
Five years ago, OGC made the leap to Purpose Trust ownership, a bold, radical move in the succession playbook. It was all about keeping our history alive and independence intact, nurturing our culture and sticking to our mission for the long haul - to use business as a force of good.
At our core, we’re fueled by our purpose – to create a healthier planet and people by growing the organic agriculture movement. It's a philosophy we live and breathe, looking out for people, backing organic growers and rallying for the organic movement because we understand that real change demands real action.
As part of a trust-owned business, OGC’s community – farmers, customers, investors, coworkers and nonprofit allies – can have a voice in our governance and benefit from the rewards of running a great company.
Once fundamental business obligations are met, we share the fruit of our labor with stakeholders. When we thrive, everyone thrives. Our strong performance in 2022 set us up to give back in 2023. OGC investors received their planned dividends, OGC’s hardworking team enjoyed profit shares and additional benefits, our Mission Fund grant program uplifted growers, customers and community partners and we doubled down on organic advocacy efforts.
At OGC, it’s not just about profits – it's about pouring our hearts and minds into the organic movement with everything we've got.
A Purpose-Driven Path to Prosperity
The Sustainable Food and Agriculture Perpetual Purpose Trust (SFAPPT/the Trust) was created in 2018 by a group of visionaries and founders dedicated to preserving OGC’s mission. That year, OGC became the first perpetual trust owned company in the nation. Since then, more than 50 companies in the United States have followed suit.
Find out more about what it means to be purpose trust owned:
AOA TEAM TAKES FLIGHT, LEADING THE STEWARD OWNERSHIP MOVEMENT
2023 brought a mid-year evolution for OGC subsidiary Alternative Ownership Advisors (AOA), a consultancy created to help mission-driven companies find their path to trust ownership. After four years of incubating the consultancy, OGC decided to focus all our energy on our core organic produce business and the AOA team moved on to roles as independent consultants. Today, they remain at the forefront of the steward ownership movement as thought leaders, speakers and authors.
AOA’s 2023 wins include shepherding Natural Investments into the perpetual purpose trust-owned community – the first financial services company in the country to do so. As a firm specializing in socially responsible and impact investing, Natural Investments continues to shape the purpose and standards of the socially responsible investment industry.
OGC is proud to have supported so many companies, including customers and suppliers, on their journey to alternative ownership.
A Mighty Ally for Organic Agriculture
At OGC, we're on a mission fueled by passion for the planet and its people. We stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers, retailers, educators and advocates, committed to making a positive impact. Our approach is bold, our collaboration unwavering and our advocacy relentless. Together, we're shaping the future of organic agriculture.
A Force for Change
OGC’s in-house advocacy team harnesses the collective power of expertise in science, agriculture, policy, marketing, human resources and sustainability to amplify a voice for the organic movement. But we're more than just advocates; we're practitioners with roots as scientists, farmers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors.
Last year was another monumental year of collaboration with our organic trade partners bringing the important voice of produce, about 36% of the country’s total organic product sales, to the table. Working together, we advance organic standards, advocate for continuous improvement and build trust in the organic seal.
Mike Dill
Director of Advocacy & Sustainability
David Lively
OGC Co-founder & Pioneer Emeritus
Carla Balen
VP of Human Resources
2023 trade Influence & Wins
With the Oregon Organic Coalition as a model, OGC championed the creation of a national organic network where state-focused advocacy efforts can be shared between organizations.
The Organic Trade Association is now supporting the concept and building a platform to facilitate and unite grassroots networking activities. Collaboration has started between WA, OR,CA, PA, WI and GA.
OGC unified voices in the organic wholesale produce trade by leading the Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition (OPWC). The OPWC consists of peers nationwide aiming to advance organic standards and advocate for continuous improvement. 2023 focused on sharing vital feedback to the National Organic Standards Board on topics ranging from why organic is climate-smart to oversight improvements to deter fraud and why inputs like ethylene are necessary for organic production (and everything in between).
Political Advocacy Delivers
for organic farmers
In 2023, our political advocacy bore fruit, with victories for organic farming in Oregon and Washington.
In Oregon, House Bill 5025A marked a historic investment in organic agriculture, bringing $2 million in bi-annual funding to the Oregon State University Extension Service, more than doubling the capacity of OSU’s Organic Extension Program with more staff positions to support farmers interested in organic and low-input practices. OGC’s investment in the Oregon Organic Coalition (OOC) contributed to this significant win, benefiting organic agriculture for years to come.
In Washington, our support for the Coalition for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture (CORA) led to significant state funding for an organic evaluation—an essential step toward a comprehensive Organic Action Plan.
At OGC, we're not just advocating for change, we're driving it to shape a future where organic agriculture thrives, benefiting the land and the livelihoods of those who tend it.
“Our advocacy wins have been a bright spot. In 2023, the Oregon Organic Coalition secured permanent funding for the Organic Agriculture Program at OSU, which will double the current Organic Extension capacity! I can’t wait to see how many more producers–certified organic or not–are assisted by this program. Organic spurs innovation that can help all agricultural producers, addressing production problems in ways that align with organic tenets and regulation breeds ingenuity, which is inspiring to see in the field. I would not be able to stay in this role without OGC – the support and partnership that I have experienced mean the world to me. Knowing that OGC has my back has enabled me to continue the OOC’s advocacy work, as well as start working on building and growing organic markets.”
Amy Wong, Executive Director of Oregon Organic Council
“The support provided by OGC, both staff and financial, has been instrumental in the formation of the Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA). In 2023, CORA had a presence in the Washington legislature and is making significant progress toward our main priority: the development of an Organic Roadmap to guide Washinton toward substantial growth of its organic sector. It is wonderful to have a distributor so committed to sourcing organic and supporting local producers. Our values align perfectly, and we are grateful for all the ways we get to work together.”
Melissa Spear, Executive Director of Tilth Alliance & the Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture
Organic is the Answer
In 2023, we launched “Organic is the Answer,” a public service awareness campaign that’s all about sharing a clear message about the benefits of organic agriculture. In a sea of confusing and misleading food labels, our customers, growers and shoppers need tools to understand what the USDA Organic label truly stands for, and why it's the gold standard.
OGC’s mission is to promote and inspire the growth of the organic agriculture movement. And our unique trust ownership model equips us to go beyond our daily business as a produce wholesaler and marketer – to be true advocates and stewards of the movement. It’s a bold move for a business-to-business organization that includes supporting our communities in inspiring and educating around all the benefits of organic for healthy people and a healthy planet.
In 2023, over 1.7 million people explored the campaign resources,
growing their understanding of climate-smart, soil-regenerating, non-GMO organic agriculture through simple language and engaging tools created for retailers, community allies and eaters. The campaign has also revived connections and sparked collaboration between dozens of trade partners, organic brands and retail customers. And, in collaboration with the Oregon Organic Coalition, the project won a USDA Organic Market Development Grant that will provide matching funds over the next three years to spread the word about the many benefits of organic even further.
Organic is our mission and our passion. We want everyone to know that Organic IS the Answer
to supporting biodiversity, nurturing soil health, sequestering planet-warming carbon and safeguarding the health of our communities and the future of our food supply.
people-centered
Giving Back to Organic
Organic agriculture isn’t just important – it’s essential. OGC is building a stronger, more resilient organic community in everything we do – from the way we source and sell produce, to the groups we support with grants. Our grant recipients are doing vital work to grow the organic ecosystem – from preserving farmland to building equity, protecting the environment, supporting youth and so much more.
Check out our Mission Fund giving priorities & some of this year’s recipients:
GIVING PRIORITY
Promote small and medium organic farm viability
GIVING PRIORITY
Support growers, handlers and customers
GIVING PRIORITY
Preserve
farmland
GIVING PRIORITY
Educate youth about organic agriculture
GIVING PRIORITY
Increase the accessibility of organic food to underserved or underrepresented communities
GIVING PRIORITY
Build equity in our regional farm and food system by supporting underserved communities
GIVING PRIORITY
Address and mitigate the impacts of climate change
GIVING PRIORITY
Improve access to organic seed and varietals
Helping Customers
Sprout Change
Our customers are always working to make their stores better for shoppers. One major focus? Sprucing up their produce departments. They’re dedicated to keeping delicious organic fruits and veggies in tip-top shape and creating a great shopping experience – and so is OGC. So, in 2023, we gave Mission Fund grants to nine of our customers driving positive change. Here’s a peek at who they are and how they’re investing their grant:
Co-op Market Grocery & Deli will upgrade their original wet rack which has been hard at work since opening day 10 years ago.
First Alternative Cooperative is adding more shelving to new wet racks and incorporating display fixtures like baskets and floor displays to highlight seasonal produce.
Friendly Street Market is relocating their produce department to create a larger, more inviting produce shopping experience. This involves plumbing, electrical work, floor repairs and extra shelving.
Nature’s Pantry is investing in new potato storage bins to keep their spuds fresh for longer. By swapping out the old baskets for roll-topped bins, they’ll keep the potatoes in top-notch condition.
Oceana Natural Food Cooperative is saying goodbye to their trusty old wet produce case, making way for a shiny new one. With more space for items, they’re gearing up to offer shoppers an even wider selection of fresh produce.
Oliver Lemons is boosting food safety with a UV Air Purifier for their produce cooler. This nifty gadget will help keep their fruits and veggies in great shape for longer.
Sundance Natural Foods is going to repair or purchase a new open display cold case, replacing the current 30-year-old model.
The Food Co-op is buying metal rolling racks so they can display produce outside their doors. They’ll also purchase some washable bushel baskets dedicated to produce.
Treebird Market is modernizing their vintage produce case from the ‘40s to better showcase products and create more space. While it has loads of character, it’s time for an upgrade that will streamline maintenance and improve the shopping experience.
Produce for the People
Meet Birch Community Services
Dedicated to helping families in need by providing essential items like food, clothing and household goods, Birch also coaches financial literacy so families can be independent and stable long-term. Their innovative approach builds a sense of community, equipping folks with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
At Birch, families receive about $1,200 worth of food each month through a unique grocery store-style setup, so they can choose items from the warehouse according to their tastes and needs. In return, participants commit to actively seeking employment, paying a modest monthly fee, volunteering, attending financial literacy counseling sessions and engaging in a financial education course. This holistic support not only meets immediate needs but also fuels a journey toward their lasting financial wellness.
“There’s a lot of need out there, and OGC has been a huge support system,” said Andrew Rowlett, Birch Operations Manager. “Produce is the make or break for families; it’s really where the rubber meets the road. I appreciate OGC immensely, it’s hard to find an organization that prides themselves on their culture the way that you do – your staff feels like family and it’s clear that they really care.”
Located just down the street from OGC’s Portland facility, Birch has been a longtime partner. They swing by every Friday and Saturday for pickups. In 2023, we had the privilege of supplying Birch with over 142,000 pounds of fresh produce.
Purpose in Practice
At OGC, our coworkers are all about making a difference. Beyond selling organic produce – we’re on a mission to save the world, one sustainable veggie at a time. Last year threw us some curveballs, but we didn’t back down. We stayed the course, consistently doing the right thing and supporting our community.
Our coworkers? They’re hard-working experts, rebels, hippies, punks, activists, parents, creatives and so much more. Our passion and dedication set us apart, bringing our values of building trust, cultivating connections, moving with intention and winning on service to life every single day.
Last year, we made sure everyone’s voice was heard, provided a great benefits package (along with a few extra perks) and celebrated coworkers bolstering our culture of safety and leading committees. And we’re still working hard to make sure everyone gets a living wage.
We’re not just a company – we’re here to disrupt, to challenge and to make waves for the organic movement. We’re in this together, making a positive impact every day.
Benefits:
Beyond the Basics
Benefits are just one of the many ways we support our coworkers. We serve up resources that promote holistic wellness; that includes physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being. Our benefits include mental health support, profit sharing, free produce and more. Because here at OGC, we know that people have diverse needs and wellness is about the whole person.
Click the plus sign to see more info about each
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Coworkers donated a total of $900, and every cent was matched by OGC.
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88 hours were used.
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Up to 5% with a match cap of $3,500.
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An app that offers on-demand, confidential mental healthcare. Through this app, coworkers have access to unlimited coaching and eight completely free sessions per year of video-based therapy or psychiatry.
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This program was used for 1,760 trips, marking a staggering increase of 586% compared to the previous year!
Coworkers
Take the Lead
All year round, our coworkers take the lead on company-wide committees that connect us, direct our charitable giving efforts, improve safety, help us save for retirement and more. Click on the pictures to learn more about each committee.
Celebrating
Differences, Together
At OGC, we're creating a community where everyone belongs. Here, differences are not just respected; they are celebrated. We've got each other's backs, uniting against biased behavior at every level. Feedback is more than just words; it's our tool for continuous improvement, guiding us to be better every day.
In 2023, we partnered with Capacity Building Partnerships, a Portland-based equity and inclusion consulting firm, to facilitate listening sessions with our coworkers. Leading sessions in both English and Spanish without leadership around encouraged candid, open conversations. After gathering everyone’s thoughts and revealing opportunities, we planned for the creation of a diverse team from across OGC who would develop an action plan.
“We aimed to create a safe space where we could really dig into things and understand where everyone’s coming from. It feels really good that the company has given us this opportunity to tackle such a big issue, even if it’s just within our own walls. It shows they’re really thinking about this stuff, and I think it’s a great place to start,” said Brian Brandon, AM Warehouse Supervisor and Equity Planning Committee member.
The Equity Planning Committee was formed as a targeted, short-term team focused solely on creating an equity, inclusion and belonging action plan.
Thirteen coworkers volunteered – they represented departments from across the organization (including a wide variety of roles from individual contributors to managers), diverse ethnicities and coworkers who identify as LGBTQ+.
The group met for six months and, out of that work, came the following recommendations:
Establish a permanent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee.
Advance awareness and buy-in for DEIB work across OGC.
Strengthen communications.
In 2024, OGC is forming a permanent DEIB committee that will tackle the action plan. We’ve invited Capacity Building Partnerships back to develop a companywide DEIB training program.
As part of our belonging focused work in 2023 we offered Spanish and English Language Learner (ELL) classes.
We offered a 10-week course of two hours per week per language (for a total of 20 hours of class time per language). We partnered with Edúcate Ya a nonprofit whose mission is to facilitate multi-cultural exchange and address the integration challenges faced by Hispanics in Oregon through bilingual health, leadership and education programs.
Striving for a Living Wage for All Coworkers
In 2023, 74% of our coworkers earned a living wage. While our goal is always 100%, we’re working within the limits of running a sustainable business, serving our mission and purpose and benefiting all our stakeholders.
The rapid increase in inflation has created a ripple effect, leading to quickly rising living wage and health insurance costs. Balancing increasing costs with our purpose of giving back to all our stakeholders makes it challenging to keep pace. Still, our dedication to a living wage remains steadfast.
In Multnomah County, where our headquarters is located, the living wage for one adult without dependents in 2023 was $21.85, which is inclusive of base pay, benefits, employment taxes and profit share. Right now, we’re pretty close to that mark.
What does living wage mean?
A living wage is an alternative measure of basic needs from the federal poverty thresholds. The federal poverty level doesn’t consider costs like childcare and health care or peoples’ geographic locations – things that impact how much money we each need to survive. We use MIT’s living wage calculator as our benchmark.
Measuring OGC’s
impact and benefit for our stakeholders
We used the B Impact Assessment (BIA) from B Lab as an objective, independent, third-party reporting standard for this report. This standard meets the Oregon Benefit Company requirements and is a rigorous and widely used tool to measure a company’s impact on workers, community, customers and the environment.
Our scorecard provides transparent tracking of year-over-year (YOY) impacts and highlights the indicators of special importance to OGC and our stakeholders.
We stand
for organic.
We’re on a mission to grow the organic agriculture movement by caring for people, prioritizing the planet and focusing on our purpose. Join us in the organic revolution. It's time to take back our food, our health and our planet. We won't back down from promoting and inspiring the growth of the organic agricultural movement.
Follow along with OGC’s work now and into the future by checking out our website and our social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Brought to you by Organically Grown Company. 2024 Organic Company of the year. Fierce protectors of the organic movement since 1978.
© 2020, Organically Grown Company