The US Organic Trade Association (OTA) has announced in a statement that Gwendolyn Wyard will begin working for the organisation on Monday 7 March in the new position of organic standards and industry outreach.
“OTA is truly pleased to have Gwendolyn join our staff. Her years of experience and expertise will prove to be invaluable to our organisation,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO.
Ms Wyard was chosen due to her work with certified organic operations throughout the US and internationally during her tenure at Oregon Tilth, as well as her knowledge of the National Organic Program (NOP) and National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
In her role at OTA, Ms Wyard will assist Laura Batcha, OTA’s Chief of Policy and External Relations, to lead OTA’s interface with NOSB, NOP Standards Branch and OTA members to develop regulatory policy positions and enhance OTA’s leadership in standards development with the goal of strengthening the integrity of the USDA organic seal.
Ms Wyard will be working from the US West Coast to enhance outreach to producers and handler members.
“OTA has long recognised the need for a stronger West Coast presence,” Ms Bushway explained, “The addition of Gwendolyn to the staff is a perfect fit, and she is poised to hit the ground running.”
Ms Wyard is already recognised as an industry expert with over 15 years of experience with organic certification at the producer, inspector and certifier level. She has a BS in food science and minor in chemistry.
Among other activities, she is Co-Chair of the Material Working Group, an industry organized group that assists NOSB on material-related issues. She most recently served as technical specialist at Oregon Tilth.
Ms Wyard will be introduced to OTA’s Board of Directors at its 5 April meeting in Washington DC, and will be on hand for the upcoming OTA Policy Conference and Hill Visit Days to interact with members on 6-7 April.
The OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the US, representing over 6,500 organic businesses across 49 states.
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